NAACP holds vigil against deportation of a pregnant woman

She may be forced to leave next week before her baby is born.

Lillian Cardona-Perez is a 33-year-old wife and mother of four, with another on the way in a matter of weeks.

She said she received a letter from immigration officials, saying her she would be deported on March 16. She spoke about her anxiety through an interpreter.

“She was very sad, and when she thinks about leaving her kids here,” her interpreter said. “But at the same time, she gets strength from the family.”

Cardona-Perez said she has a work Visa that doesn't expire until near the end of October.

The NAACP has come to her her defense with a petition. They said the idea of separating Cardona-Perez from her family is morally wrong.

NAACP President Dr. Barber said President Donald Trump's so called "anti-Latino rhetoric" makes people less sympathetic to situations like Cardona-Perez's.

“She’s been in this country working,” Barber said. “Contributing to this society. Paying taxes and more importantly being a human being.”

Todd Speight works with Cardona-Perez's husband. He was brought to tears at the thought of the family being separated.

“It’s upsetting,” he said. “It’s very upsetting. I mean we and they’re there every morning ready to do their job and all they want to do is make a living and support their families.”

WRAL has reached out to Cardona-Perez's attorney for comment and was not able tor reach her.

WRAL has also been in touch with a spokesperson with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and is awaiting further details on her case.