Milwaukee leaders, organizations fight to prevent deportation of local teacher

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee rights group is leading the fight to prevent the deportation of a local teacher who could be forced to leave the country.

MPS teacher Yessenia Ruano could be deported as soon as this Friday if ICE doesn't allow her more time to complete the immigration process. 

Ruano found refuge in Milwaukee as an asylum seeker after fleeing gang violence in El Salvador in 2011. 

Now, despite having an ongoing visa application and deep ties to the community, Ruano received the news that she could be deported.

"The loss of Yessenia as a committed staff member is not just a loss to our school, but it's a loss to our community and to the city overall," said Brenda Martinez, ALBA School leader. 

"This is absurd, to consider that someone of her character could be a threat to any country," said Father Javier Bustos, Blessed Sacrament. 

Community members, elected officials, religious leaders and organizations including Voces de la Frontera called for solidarity Tuesday and urged ICE to extend her temporary status and allow her to stay with her family.