TRAITORS

by Gerardo Robledo

  Jack left more confused than ever. He took the files to Gonzalez, who promised to review them that week and see what possibilities there were. That night, Mr. Lee talked to his family and made them aware of their conversation. He also told them that an expert in the case would give him advice.

  Zina did not argue with her father. She tried to understand his situation and had hoped that in the end, he would agree to appear at the hearing to support Luis. She then set out to write her beloved again.

  Monday April 19

  Luis:

  My father handed a copy of your file to an expert who works in his office. I think he’s beginning to agree to help. Hopefully by the end of this week we’ll have a little more information about it. He has not yet decided whether to show up in court or not. There is a strong anti-immigration atmosphere out there and Dad said it can affect his career, but other council members showed sympathy over your case. Dad said that an undocumented immigrant killed an African-American man and that’s creating more division among all ethnic groups. Although it was a very isolated case, the media still created a big hype out of it and blew it out of proportion. From now on I will be more informed about it so I know what is being said.

  It also seems that another demonstration is underway, the same one as last year. There are some radio stations devoted to discrediting immigrants and the politicians who support them. Tomorrow we will go back to the school to check on the progress they have made.

  I’ll write you again.

  With love,

  Zina

  On Monday afternoon, Mr. Mireles called Aunt Lupita with news about the Red Cross Commissioner, Mr. Carl Rolmes.

  “I spoke with him on the phone and I don’t think he understood much of what I said, but he might be able to see us in his office, in Burbank, on Thursday. The appointment is at 5:00 p.m.” said Mr. Mireles

  “Well, we’ll be there,” said Aunt Lupita.

  The next day, Norberto and Aunt Lupita went to their appointment with the consul who was finally back in town.

  “What can I do for you?” the consul asked.

  They explained the situation and stressed how important it would be to have someone like him at his side in court.

  “I’m afraid it will be very difficult,” said the diplomat. “Every year, hundreds of Mexicans are deported and we cannot do anything about the vast majority of these cases. Our only role is to ensure that they are treated humanely and the constitutional rights of detainees are not violated. We also help them shoulder the cost of their deportation expenses”.

  “If they have no money, we cover half the cost. Only in very exceptional cases could we do more. We cannot get involved on every case. We would need hundreds of consuls to be able to help every immigrant. If you know of any violation of their human rights, or if you have any problem paying for the deportation expenses, please let us know.”

  “It’s disappointing,” said Aunt Lupita. “I cannot believe how you, our Mexican politicians, who should be supporting us, would turn a blind eye to the amount of abuse we immigrants receive. You have also abandoned us to fend for ourselves and are ashamed when you have to represent us in court! Hopefully things change someday.”

  With great nuisance, they left the consulate.

  Upon arriving home with Norberto, they contacted the radio station to find out if there was any update from the broadcaster who had promised to help.

  “Sorry, my friend,” said the broadcaster. “We have already announced your case on air and nobody called in response. I don’t know what else we can do for you.”

  “What if you, as a public figure, appear in court to support my friend? I know you don’t know him, but I could give you all the references we have of him. In addition, if your listeners know that you are supporting us, they may get a little bit more interested and the word would spread to find solutions not only for my friend, but for all immigrants.”

  “Look, man!” the announcer said, “we, as public figures, have to be careful of our image and our work. We cannot start getting involved in every case because we’d immediately get in trouble with the authorities, not to mention we would also be subjected to criticisms from anti-immigrant groups. We only limit ourselves to informing people and giving them advice. Better ask that from somebody else.”

  That was the close of a disappointing day. Two great possibilities vanished. Friends and family could not believe it. Anti-immigrant groups could express their condemnation against the immigrants, but people or communities who could advocate for their rights denied them of their help and support.

  Tuesday April 20

  Luis:

  We’ve had two disappointing results today. Norberto and your aunt went to the Mexican consulate for support. The consul refused to help. He said there are thousands of deportation cases each year, and if they helped, they would be in courtrooms and with lawyers every day. Your aunt was very upset. She couldn’t understand how it is possible for politicians, from one’s own country, to exploit the nation and do absolutely nothing to help those who are in trouble. They keep pushing people to migrate putting them in harm’s way, and in difficult times, they turn their back on them. She also said that governments of other countries applaud the money that immigrants send home, but cringe when they are in need of help.

  They also called the radio station, but like those in the consulate, they also denied them help. They are not willing to risk their jobs in trying to aid others. How is it possible that Hispanics, being the largest minority in the country, cannot come together and form coalitions to help each other like in other ethnic groups?

  Luis, my love, I’m scared. I don’t know when this ordeal will end. I don’t want us to run out of resources. We now have two less options, but we will keep on fighting.

  I love you.

  Zina

  The Painful Goodbyes

  Pablo took his grandmother for a check-up with the doctor who told them that she looked well recovered. Around those days, they arranged a little party for Grandma Andrea’s 69th birthday. Among them was Uncle Antonio. He lived on the opposite side of the city, had four children and traveled extensively for work, thus found it difficult to be with his mother. At that time, however, he decided to take a couple of weeks off as the delicate matter with his mother made him think that it was time for him to assume the responsibilities expected of him.

  “I’ll set off for Los Angeles early tomorrow,” Pablo told the family. “It is necessary for me to be there for Luis’ last arraignment. I need to meet with some people who can help us out with it. The hearing has been set for May 5th, and depending on the situation with Grandma, I’ll try to see how soon I can return.”

  He turned to Uncle Antonio and said. “I’ll take this opportunity since you guys are here.”

  “Don’t worry, son! I’ll now be more vigilant of your grandma. If necessary, I will take her to my house so my wife can take charge in taking care of her. I had not done that before because this place is closer to the hospital and to her doctors. Go without worrying about a thing and please stay in touch. Thank you for leaving everything behind to be here with her.”

  The following day, Pablo left very early bound for Los Angeles. He said goodbye to his grandmother with a firm promise of returning soon. He gave Maria much encouragement, and with the devotion that always characterized him, he asked for the blessing of his grandmother. With a face contorted with grief to see her beloved grandson leave, she said, “May the Blessing of Our Father be with you wherever you go, accompanied by Our Lady, The Virgin of Guadalupe. May they take care of you and protect not only you, but your wife and son who is on his way. In the name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.” Wiping away her tears, the grandmother continued, “Son, I don’t know how much sacrifice you made come see me. I ask you not to worry so much about me. I am already an old woman and I don�
��t know how much longer I’ll live, but you’re young and you’re neglecting your family. We can just call each other. I promise you that I’ll be fine and that I´ll take all my medicines so that I won’t have another relapse. We, who stayed on this side of the border, understand that when you have gone, we have lost you forever.

  We knew that you would be starting a new life, and that when you visit us, you’d bring with you a part of what you took and fill the void that remained since the day you left. But we know that it will be there again the day that you leave. Although it’s not easy to get used to, over the years, we know that it will be a routine which we will have to live with as time passes. The wound never heals and it is there exposed out in the open. It hurts each time we find something that reminds us of you, as with each call we receive from you, and the visits you honor us with. Those bring the perfect antidote to soothe the wound; and although it is only temporary, we rejoice and become filled with peace. And when the day of your departure approaches, the wound begins to turn red until the day you leave again. It then goes back to being exposed to the weather… vulnerable.”

  “Look, son,” the grandmother continued. “That’s not the worst part. Just like you guys who left, we who stayed know that each goodbye could be the final farewell of our lives. Anything can happen: either we die here or God forbid, we lose you there. When you took Luis with you, I felt that something had been taken away from me, and for several years, I was left without that something. One can never get used to it… you just resign to living without it. It’s like having our finger or hand amputated: we would still live, but we would be needing them for as long as we live. Please, son, take care, and take care of Luis.” Grandma carried on with a great expression of sadness in her tearful eyes. “Tell him that I ask the Virgin Mary every day to take care of all of you and to guide you in the right direction, not lacking in anything, but finding what you have always been looking for instead. Tell him that my love and the love of your sister will always be with all of you. Perhaps the distance between us is great, but the memories that live inside us will always remain. Day by day, I remember the moment when you were born and how I carried you in every step you took in life. With every one of you, each stage in your lives had been wonderful. I have witnessed your every fall and every triumph and was able to heal your wounds and rejoice in your achievements. The days that have gone by took a part of my being, because I imagined that you were homeless, without help or protection, and the only thing available to me was a prayer entrusting you in the care of Our Lord; and in every part of the day or night, the only thing I had in my mind was you. But here I am now, very old and sick, and with no strong desire to live. You’re both not with me, and although Maria is my whole life, I feel that I have only caused her trouble and suffering. I wish I could help her, but sometimes I lack strength. I’m just asking you to watch over Luis and to take care of your family, and never forget that my prayers will always be following you wherever you may be.”

  They held each other in a long embrace, hoping for that moment to last an eternity. The soft and tender embrace of his grandmother comforted Pablo in those moments of nostalgia.

  Pablo left the house with tears in his eyes, his grandmother’s words still echoing in his mind. He had left in search of new opportunities and had gotten a part of what he had been looking for; but he had left behind what was most important to him—his family. Given that he now had his own family, he was unable to take care of his grandmother who had been a mother to him and who had watched over him every moment of his childhood and youth. It was now his turn to take care of her. He had no time and he had to live many of miles from her, leaving her solely in the hands of God and a few relatives.

  Time to make some changes in my life! Thought Pablo. I’ll speak to Norma and see if we can someday return to live in Mexico while looking for ways of bringing grandma to live with us.

  Norma and Zina went to the airport to receive Pablo. It was around three in the afternoon, and the wind was a bit chilly—a little unusual for the month of April. They welcomed him back to the bustling city of Los Angeles. Norma looked better than ever in her pregnancy, but the expression of anxiety mixed with the excitement of greeting her husband made her, in the eyes of Pablo, look like a cute little girl crying because she lost her favorite toy.

  “You look divine!” Pablo told her with eyes filled with excitement to have her back in his arms. “I’m sorry I left you for so long. You don’t know how I’ve missed you. These difficult days without you, seemed to have lasted an eternity. I know you are all in the same stages, having very complicated days, but I’m ready to fight ’til the end. Thank God my grandmother’s condition is now better. When I left, she was in her home feeling very tranquil. She wanted me to extend her greetings to everyone. She said she misses all of you and hopefully you can go visit her soon.”

  They spent the whole afternoon at Aunt Lupita’s house talking about the progress that had been achieved so far, and about the health condition of Grandmother Andrea. They now only had two more weeks before the hearing, yet they still had nothing definite. Aunt Lupita had an appointment with the commissioner of the Red Cross the next day while Zina and Norberto had to go to the school on Friday to see if there was news from the Principal. Norma and Pablo would go to Major Smith, while everyone was hoping that Mr. Lee would have details regarding the files that he had given Councilor Gonzalez. Everything was as before. They did not have anything definite except that time would soon be up and the tension started to become evident in the faces of those involved.

  Wednesday April 21

  Luis:

  Your brother arrived from Mexico today. He arrived very happy because your grandmother has recovered well. She sent you many kisses and blessings. She’s still not aware that you’re in prison since they didn’t want to tell her something that would mortify her some more. Pablo’s arrival gives us much hope since we now have one more person on our side to help us fight to get you out of there. I know we will be able to do it. Tomorrow, your aunt Lupita will go see the commissioner of the American Red Cross whom you went with, as a volunteer, to provide support whenever necessary. We’ll see what help we can get from him. You haven’t written me anything yet, not a single letter! Tell me how you’re doing and how you’re feeling.

  I love you,

  Zina

  After two weeks of being detained in federal prison, Luis had already gotten used to the pace of life. The conditions were far from pleasant. The number of prisoners varied constantly and every story was more moving than the last. In the detention center, there were usually people from many countries awaiting trial; but the vast majority is comprised of illegal immigrants from Mexico, followed in number by El Salvador and Guatemala. There were also people from Europe, Africa, India and many other countries. Each was assigned a number and was given a card with a photograph so that they could be identified easily. Only in special cases were they allowed to receive calls. However in some cases, by court order or upon lawyer’s request, other people who are not members of the detainee’s immediate family were allowed to visit. As one could expect, most of the prisoners’ family members were also illegal immigrants. They wouldn’t dare go visit their husbands or wives. That’s how many of the prisoners spend their days; without receiving a single visit, making their stay more bitter and sad. It’s a pity to imagine where the American Dream of some immigrants has ended. They land in prison feeling they have lost everything.

  On the morning of Thursday, April 22, Luis was ready to write his first letter to his beloved:

  Zina:

  It’s been two weeks since I came to this cold and dark prison. Time seems to pass really slowly here. I miss you more and more every day. I don’t know how to live without you by my side. I feel that everything we have dreamed about is now very far from being fulfilled. I long for the time when we can see each other again and melt into each other’s embrace of love
. I have to keep hoping. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and I await the moment when I can repay you double and heal the wounds that I have caused you because of my irresponsibility. Forgive me, my love.

  We live like criminals here. Those of us who are locked up here fail to understand why life was so unfair to us. Most of our offenses have been minor, such as driving without a license or having been working with fake documents to support our families.

  There is no privacy; they monitor our phone calls and open our mail as if we, being locked up in here, were able to commit a crime. The food is bad and there is only one TV set for everyone that may be turned on for one hour, three times a day.

  We also need to be counted twice a day. They wake us up and we have to stand at one side of the bed. The situation is ridiculous for the offenses we have committed. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of seeing you again.

  Thanks for keeping me informed of everything that is happening out there. Talk to Professors Ortega and Nyen! Like me, they came to this country undocumented. They know my life and I think they would be willing to help. I have read all your letters and I treasure each one.

  Luis

  Mr. Carl Rolmes, the Commissioner of the Red Cross, received Mr. Mireles and Aunt Lupita in his office. It was a gloomy afternoon. The cloudy sky foretold light rain, perhaps the last of the season. Cold air blew, normal for the month of March, but very unusual for late April. The sound of the ambulance leaving the hospital interrupted their greetings.

  “Please come in,” said Mr. Rolmes. “It’s a pleasure having you. What’s new, Mr. Mireles? Long time no see! Tell me, how I can help you?”