Kelly, sheriff, commissioners react to Carrizalez release
Butler County officials and U.S. Mike Kelly, R-16th, offered reactions Friday about Thursday’s surprise release of Butler resident Ignacio Carrizalez from the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Carrizalez, who was actively working to become a citizen, was detained following an April 28 traffic stop in Evans City. He spent over two months at Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Clearfield County.
Following his detention, his wife, Amanda Smail-Carrizalez, addressed the county commissioners at their June 17 meeting. She said she was unable to get help through the county assistance program and feared she would have to move to Mexico to reunite their family. They have a 6-year-old daughter.
Commissioner Kevin Boozel said his office has been in daily contact with Amanda since she spoke at the commissioners meeting. He has contacted U.S. Sen John Fetterman, D-Pa., and others about Ignacio. He also said his office forwarded documentation provided by Amanda to federal authorities.
“Amanda is a strong advocate for her family. I’m pleased with the result, and hopefully they will have the opportunity to finish the immigration process after being detained,” Boozel said.
“I am very happy to hear he has been released and hope that he is able to proceed with getting his citizenship in the near future,” said Leslie Osche, commissioners chairwoman.
Commissioner Kim Geyer said she echoes Osche’s sentiment.
“Laws are in place to protect the community. The system is in place to adjudicate those laws. I’m glad the system worked,” Sheriff Mike Slupe said Friday.
Kelly said he read about Carrizalez’s release from custody in a newspaper Friday.
“I’m glad he’s back with his family,” Kelly said. He declined further comment.
