Leo Gutierrez has a healthy kidney waiting for him in El Salvador. But he can’t get to it.
Despite his pleas to be deported to his home country, where relatives have offered their organs for transplant, the state of California pays thousands of dollars for him to receive dialysis three times a week at Coalinga State Hospital.
Gutierrez is a sexually violent predator, among nearly 1,300 men in a special class of sex offenders who, under state law, are sent to the Fresno County mental health hospital after serving their prison sentences. He’s also one of at least 30 men at the hospital who are undocumented.
“I asked (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) why they don’t pick me up. They said the hospital says I’m still paying for a crime. But that’s not true. I finished my time in 2001,” Gutierrez, 49, said. “I don’t know why I did what I did then, but I can’t correct it. And all this time, I’ve been in this place.”
There are a lot of registrants who would gladly give up their citizenship in the land of lies for freedom unfortunately our country has effectively closed the border from the inside making us undesirable to any country that might even think about taking us. The U.S. isn’t a country of second chances especially Florida it would rather cut off it’s own hand than allow us a chance at a life
While in prison from 2009-2013
I was with an inmate that has dual citizenship (American & Canadian). He applied for an international transfer to a Canadian prison. The US govt and Canadian govt both signed off on the transfer. The roadblock?? The state of Florida. Instead of sending him home and being relieved of all financial and legal responsibilities for him they basically ignored the request and kept him in custody….. where they covered his incarceration and medical costs. He suffered from cardiac issues that required constant medical care plus had to have surgery for other medical conditions…..
From what I understand from talking to him had he transferred to Canada he would be considered a registered SO there. He can return home after completing his probation and have no record or restrictions….. That’s WONDERFUL for him and it was definitely worth the sacrifice but I don’t understand Florida’s thinking on issues like these.
“…the hospital says I’m still paying for a crime.”
Hospital? Call it what it is, a prison. It has fencing and guard towers for Christ’s sake! That’s what it’s all about, more punishment, hoping Mr. Gutierrez will die before he gets a transplant.
Think about it, Leo would rather go back to war-torn El Salvador than stay here in the “land of the free.”
JZ very good point !!!!!
Thanks!