Rachel Leidig’s husband, 35-year-old Guilherme Lemes Cardoso E Silva — or Gui — was detained by ICE agents on San Juan Island in Washington on Friday.
It happened as he drove to pick up his daughter, who he shares custody of with his ex-wife.
He said the agents refused to show him a warrant.
“He was recording as this was going on. There was a larger agent behind him that took his phone, took him out of the car, pushed him against the car and handcuffed him,” said Leidig. “While this was happening, all the other ICE agents were masked behind him laughing and saying they were glad this didn’t make the news this time.”
Originally from Brazil, Gui is a Sausalito-based artist who has painted murals across the Bay Area and the country.
“He has a gift that he’s trying to share with the world. And we need to have him out,” said Leidig.
He and Leidig got married in April — she’s 7 months pregnant with her first child.
“It’s so terrible what’s happening to him and everyone. It’s terrible. It needs to stop. They’re tearing families apart,” said Leidig.
Leidig said Gui has no criminal record or warrants. She says he’s in the green card application process and trying to get his work permit renewed.
Gui said ICE agents shackled his arms, legs and ankles.
“They made me show all my tattoos and checked if I was related to gangs. I’ve never been related to any gangs,” Gui said on the phone. “I really hope I can get out of here very soon because I have my family to take care of.”
A GoFundMe has raised more than $45,000 for legal expenses. With the baby due in October, Leidig says she needs her husband home.
“I’m just so frustrated, but I’m trying to channel all this anger into being productive to get Gui out and to help others as well. This is bigger than just mine and Gui’s situation. This is happening to so many people,” she said. “I need him, our little boy needs him, and I just don’t wanna go through this without him.”
Gui is being held in Tacoma, Washington, with a hearing scheduled at the end of the month.
Source: NBC Bay Area
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