Eva Helena Mendes, a 48-year-old mother of six from Woonsocket, Rhode Island, is currently detained at Logan International Airport. Her ordeal began after she returned from Cape Verde, where she attended her brother’s funeral. This marked her first visit to her homeland in 40 years.
Background and Arrest Details
Upon her arrival at Boston’s Logan Airport, Mendes presented her passport and green card to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. However, they discovered an outstanding arrest warrant dating back to 2012. Mendes was subsequently taken into custody, with officials stating she would remain detained overnight for further review.
More than a week has passed since her detention, raising concerns about her case. Todd Pomerlau, Mendes’ attorney, has claimed that he has been unable to communicate directly with her. He emphasized her character, stating, “She’s hardly dangerous. Hardly a flight risk.”
Previous Legal Issues
- Mendes pled no contest to a misdemeanor shoplifting charge in Rhode Island in 2009.
- In 2012, she was arrested again on a similar charge in Massachusetts.
- An arrest warrant was issued after she failed to appear for her arraignment.
Community Support
In response to Mendes’ predicament, friends and neighbors have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her legal expenses. The campaign asserts, “Eva is not a threat to anyone. She is a mother, a wife, a neighbor, and a kindhearted woman who deserves compassion and due process.”
Legal Proceedings
Mendes’ attorney has filed for a Writ of Habeas Corpus with the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts. Judge Richard G. Stearns has instructed CBP not to remove Mendes from the state without notifying the court first. He has also requested justification for her ongoing detention by the upcoming Monday.
According to Mendes’ court documents, she had visited an immigration office in Rhode Island before traveling. She received assurance she could return to the U.S. as long as she carried her passport and green card.
This situation highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding immigration and legal processes, especially for individuals with past offenses. The outcome of Mendes’ case remains uncertain as community support grows.
