Title: Toronto Man Self-Deports After Encounter with ICE Officer

A Toronto man recently self-deported from the United States after an unexpected encounter with an off-duty U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer at a pet store. Henry Cortez, who had been living in Las Vegas for five years, faced a dilemma when the officer noticed his Canadian passport while he was shopping for supplies for his cat, Smokie.

Cortez's visa had expired over a year ago, and he had not renewed it. This oversight became critical during a visit to a PetSmart in Summerlin, a suburb of Las Vegas. While checking out, a stranger jokingly remarked, "You’re from Canada, eh?" After Cortez paid for his items, the man identified himself as an off-duty ICE officer and requested to see Cortez's identification.

"That’s when I knew that I was in trouble," Cortez recalled. The officer presented him with two options: self-deport or face detention if he was found again. Cortez chose to self-deport.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported that 1.6 million undocumented immigrants self-deported in the first eight months of this year. ICE has also arrested 585 Canadian citizens in the U.S. and recorded 623 removals, which include deportations and self-deportations.

Cortez described his self-deportation as a "perfect storm" of misfortune. After deciding to leave, he faced complications with Smokie's travel preparations. During a vet visit for a required rabies shot, Smokie became agitated, resulting in Cortez sustaining injuries. Animal control was called, and Smokie was placed in quarantine for a week.

With a flight scheduled in four days, Cortez had to make a difficult decision to leave without his cat. Fortunately, the vet offered to care for Smokie temporarily, but Cortez now faces the challenge of arranging a permanent solution for her care and transportation across the border. Due to his visa issues, he is barred from reentering the U.S. for ten years.

Cortez is exploring pet transportation services, estimating costs of $1,800 for the first leg of Smokie's journey and at least a couple of thousand dollars for the second. He has set up a GoFundMe page to raise $5,200 to help cover these expenses.

Currently, Cortez is seeking employment and hopes to become a trainee with the Canadian Border Services Agency in Newfoundland, where his daughter lives. He expressed financial difficulties, stating, "I’m not exactly in a position to get a loan right now."

Despite the challenges, Cortez remains in contact with the vet in Las Vegas. He has learned that Smokie is adjusting to her temporary surroundings. "She’s starting to warm up to the people, and they’re starting to adore her a little more now," he said.

Cortez emphasized the emotional bond he shares with Smokie, stating, "This isn’t, you know, just about a cat. It’s truly just about family, love, loyalty and just not giving up on family, even when everything falls apart." He added, "She trusted me … she wouldn’t trust anybody else in that pound. I can’t give up on her now."