East Boston residents lined the streets yesterday, throwing their support behind Marco Tulio Flores, a Salvadoran immigrant who is facing deportation after serving a 13-year sentence for killing his alleged sexual abuser. At the rally, which took place at the Maverick Square station, attendees brandished signs firmly stating, "No to the deportation of Marco Flores" and "No more child abuse," as reported by NBC Boston.
Flores, who was released on Dec. 30 only to be picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), claims he was victimized for years by Jaime Galdamez, a family friend turned aggressor. According to NBC Boston, Flores was a minor when the abuse began, and it continued undetected for much of his childhood. He ultimately pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter, which has triggered his current deportation battle.
Though he is set to have his day in court Thursday, local advocates as well as Flores' family urge the reconsideration of his case, stressing the violence and trauma he has already endured. At-Large City Councilor Julia Mejia, who attended the demonstration, told GBH News, "He’s already been through a lot of trauma. The only thing that he knows it this country, and it would be really cruel to send him back."
Flores' struggle with the legal system began when, at 17, he killed Galdamez after finding a photo that implied he might not be his abuser's only victim. Schuyler Pisha, one of Flores' attorneys, encapsulated the tragedy of the situation saying, "I look at it in terms of a kid who is very traumatized and confused and scared who doesn’t think anyone will listen to him." This comment was captured by GBH News amidst the growing public outcry against Flores' deportation.
Flores' mother, Clelian Diaz, emotionally confessed her fears for her son if he is sent back to El Salvador, citing his unfamiliarity with the country and the potential dangers he might face there. His family claims he would be at risk of retaliation by Galdamez's connections in their homeland. Despite requests for ICE to provide details on Flores' situation, spokesperson John Mohan has declined to comment on specifics. The uncertainty surrounding Flores' future in the United States adds to his family's stress as they await the upcoming hearing.
