A Hillsborough man is being held in ICE custody and supporters are accusing Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood of giving tips to federal authorities, something the sheriff's advocates said he would not do.
Jocsan Cornejo was arrested on June 23 for charges including driving while impaired, assault on a female and assault on a child under 12 years old. He was taken into ICE custody July 18, before he had the chance to bond out of county jail, according to his wife.
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"This experience has been a nightmare," Maria Huerta said. "He is our only support. I've had to go back to work, even though doctors have recommended against it. My kids are suffering a lot, too."
Despite the claims, Blackwood said his office does not give ICE any tips. In a statement to WRAL News, the office said it submitted Cornejo's fingerprints, automatically triggering an inquiry of his immigration status.
Cornejo's advocates want to speak with Blackwood and discuss his policies and demand the sheriff and deputies in Orange County require ICE to obtain judicial warrants to take people from jail.