“Wait here while I check your information. Everything will be alright.”

That’s what Mario Reyes Rodas’ attorney said the federal immigration officer told his client the morning of Aug. 27 during a traffic stop along Interstate 20 in Rankin County. The Morton resident provided a current driver’s license and work authorization card that has allowed him to work as a landscaper.

Then came the questions.

Where are you from? Mexico, Reyes Rodas answered. Do you have a visa or authorization to be in the country? No, the man replied, though he had been trying to obtain permanent residency for years.

That was enough information for him to be detained, even though he has no criminal record.

Reyes Rodas left his car on the side of the road as he was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection

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