Dallas, Texas – A prominent Dallas community leader and Southern Methodist University alumnus, Omar Salazar, will be deported following the loss of his immigration case on Wednesday night.
Salazar, who has spent the past seven months in ICE detention, was accused of remaining in the U.S. illegally after a traffic stop last year. The ruling was handed down Wednesday evening, clearing the way for his removal from the country.
His attorney stated that an appeal of the decision remains possible. However, pursuing an appeal would require Salazar to remain detained for an additional eight to 12 months. Instead, Salazar has chosen to proceed with voluntary departure, which must be completed within 60 days.
Because Salazar is married to a U.S. citizen, he will be eligible to apply for reentry into the United States. His attorney noted that the reentry process could take three to six years.
“Everyone was very saddened by the decision,” a spokesperson for Salazar’s family and supporters said. “They are resilient people, but this is really, really straining them.”
The case has drawn attention in Dallas community circles due to Salazar’s long-standing involvement as a leader and his status as an SMU alumnus. His departure is expected within the next two months under the voluntary departure agreement.
