Manchester man facing deportation to country he left at age 7

MANCHESTER, NH — Friends and family are rallying around a man who could be deported after a DUI conviction.

Daniel Onoa Aguirre, 23, was born in Colombia, but has lived in the US since he was 7 and has legal residency.

"He's American, he's been here since he was 7 years old," Andres Onoa, Daniel's brother, told FOX25.

Daniel arrived in the U.S. with his mother on a travel visa and grew up in Manchester, eventually getting legal residency status under a federal act called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

"Basically people who are here who are not on their own volition they can get some help so they will not be deported," said Francis Agyare, an immigration attorney.

Daniel was a star high school athlete and now works at a bank. He hasn't been back to Colombia since he left.

Daniel's legal status can be threatened by criminal behavior. In March of this year, he was arrested for a DUI. He pleaded guilty, paid a fine and completed his community service.

Daniel has explained the DUI occurred after his mother, who has Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, no longer recognized who he was. His friends told FOX25 he has since gotten counseling.

The U.S. Government considers the DUI dangerous behavior  and has placed Daniel's immigration under review. He was arrested by ICE two weeks ago and has been detained since then.

Daniel's friends filled an immigration courtroom Wednesday in Boston, hoping to convince the judge a man they know and love is worth a second chance. Daniel's lawyer was fighting to get him released on bail, while also fighting deportation.

"He did make a mistake, but I just believe he's a good person at heart, I know from firsthand experience and being a friend of him," said Azam Abdallah, a friend.

There were 45 letters submitted to the judge in support of Daniel. There's also a GoFundMe page for his bail money and an online petition trying to keep him in the U.S.

The judge took it under advisement and said he will make a decision on whether or not he should be free soon.

Cox Media Group