Wilson: “This is a Man We Should Be Celebrating, Not Deporting”

Officer Dawkins Grew Up in the Heart of Florida’s 17^th District, Attending Poinciana Park Elementary and Miami Central Senior High School

Potential Deportation of Veteran a Perfect Example of Why We Need the DREAM Act and Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-17) today sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to request a removal of detainer on former Petty Officer 2^nd Class, Elisha Leo Dawkins, who has been held for the past month in a Miami federal detention facility. Officer Dawkins was originally detained for an alleged passport violation. Even if he is released from detention, he is still at risk of deportation based on an order issued in 1992.

Mr. Dawkins was brought to the U.S. as a baby from The Bahamas and was raised believing he was a U.S. citizen, eventually rising to serve in our military with distinction. He grew up in the heart of Florida’s 17^th District, attending Poinciana Park Elementary and Miami Central Senior High School.

“This is a man we should be celebrating, not deporting,” said Congresswoman Wilson. “He has bravely and heroically fought for our country and deserves our utmost gratitude. His situation is more than unfortunate; it is inexplicable. I am asking that Mr. Dawkins be allowed to continue to be the type of role model he has always been – here, on American soil.

“This is precisely why we need to pass the DREAM Act. We need comprehensive immigration reform to fix our broken immigration system and ensure that incidents like this never happen again to our brave men and women who served in uniform.”

In addition to awaiting a response from Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano, Congresswoman Wilson’s district office is working closely with all relevant authorities to resolve the case.

The story was first reported by The Miami Herald.