Vigil Held for Stamford Mom Facing Deportation

A Stamford mother ordered to be deported to Guatemala watched from her window as those supporting her fight against being deported held a vigil in front of her apartment.

Members of the community showed up with signs in front of Miriam Martinez-Lemus’ apartment such as "stop deportation."

Members of the community prayed, including members of her church St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Stamford, the mayor and state representatives.

Miriam Martinez-Lemus of Guatemala was denied her stay in the US on Monday. She was supposed to hop on her flight then but did not so that she could stay and care for her daughter. Her 12-year-old daughter has Type 1 Diabetes, which requires Martinez-Lemus to administer medicine several times a day to make sure her daughter is healthy.

Martinez-Lemus has lived in Stamford for more than 20 years. She, her attorneys, even the governor have asked ICE to reconsider their decision.

Martinez-Lemus told NBC Connecticut she is scared to come outside, so we spoke with her inside her house.

“They have a lot of people they have a lot of friends, family and people that I don’t know to come and support me and my family and that I’m not alone,” she said.

Because she did not depart on her flight yesterday, ICE officials say that lists her as an immigration fugitive. She can be arrested when they encounter her.

Contact Us