TRAITORS

by Gerardo Robledo

  The following morning, the student council gathered outside the office of the Principal who already knew the reason for their visit.

  “Mrs. Johnson, we know that Zina and Norberto spoke with you about the issue of Luis,” said Jonathan. “Thank you for your letter, but we would like to know what we could do to make you decide to attend the hearing. Most students agree, since they still remember and admire Luis. We can collect signatures if you want.”

  “I admire your intention to help,” the Principal said. “But I think you are taking the problem too seriously. To start, I will write a letter of good conduct and send it immediately; but I cannot go beyond where my work mandate permits. Let me investigate and if it’s allowed, I will be happy to oblige. For now return to class. You have permission to talk to teachers and students but keep in mind that I don’t want too much fuss in school. The examination period is approaching and I do not want students to be distracted. Don’t give me any reason to prohibit you from carrying this out in school.”

  The news spread like wildfire among students and teachers. The topic immediately formed a division among them. The vast majority were in favor of supporting Luis, while a low percentage of students decided to distance themselves from the controversy for various reasons: some may not have liked Luis that much, while others were oblivious to the living conditions of immigrants. Although the vast majority of students were Hispanic, some were children of immigrants who had not themselves struggled to stay in the country. Either by birthright or otherwise, they simply had legal status and did not want to get involved with problems other than their own.

  Some teachers spoke about the issue, and others preferred not to comment on it. Jonathan went to the History teacher, Mr. Ortega, and said, “Do you think we should join in to show stronger support? You know the history; you understand that many of us came to this country with the intention of having a better life—not only for ourselves but for our families back home.”

  “Look, kid… ,” Professor Ortega said, “although what you say is true, things have changed a lot nowadays. I am the son of an immigrant who came to this country in search of opportunities. But everything has gotten out of hand.”

  “Now some of the immigrants come with a different mindset. Many times they come and commit crimes, join gangs and do little for what they really came here for—to have a better life. Today, getting into the immigration issue is counterproductive for everyone because although politicians and religious leaders want to support the cause, there are anti-immigrant groups fighting to expose the culpabilities of some of these people—those who are not fit to be here and those who want to live their lives as they had lived it in their countries. The good perception that we can show is overshadowed by the voices of these groups, which, every time sow more hatred in our community.”

  “This is absurd!” said Jonathan. “First of all, those negative comments are not just for undocumented immigrants but for the entire Hispanic community in general. We know that those small groups of racists want to poison the hearts of Americans and oppose not just Hispanics, but all minorities. We must not listen to these groups. On the contrary, it is our responsibility to unite our voices for things to change and to be able to live without hatred or racism. It’s not just for Latinos but all ethnic groups that comprise this great country. Look, Mr. Ortega, we want to come together here at school, and I hope you change your way of thinking. Instead of just showing apathy, tell the teachers to unite and convince the Principal to work with us. You know many teachers also have immigrant roots just like you and me.”

  Jonathan, like Luis, had the personality of a leader and his ideals were firm. He also sought justice and equality, not just for himself and his family but for the entire community and its people since the blood of immigrants also ran though his veins.

  That afternoon, Zina, Norberto and Aunt Lupita were in Norma’s house. They all updated each other with what had been accomplished so far.

  “We have an appointment with the lawyer on Wednesday,” said Norma. “We need to show all possible progress. On my end, I spoke to Major Smith and made an appointment, but apparently, he went on vacation and will not be around for another two weeks. I think Pablo should be back by then. He wants to be here to help out with everything that’s needed for his brother’s hearing. By the way, I was able to speak with him today and it seems that Grandma Andrea’s condition is a little better. Pablo’s presence really helped a lot and I just don’t know what will happen when it’s time for him to come back. I want to go and take care of her, but at the same time, I also want to be here and work together with all of you. I feel like I’m between a rock and a hard place.”

  Norberto and Zina talked about their school visit.

  “On Wednesday morning, we will stop by the school to see if there are any updates. I already talked to my dad,” said Zina. “At first he was furious but then promised to see what he could do for us. I already asked the lawyer to send my dad a copy of Luis’ files. The only thing he doesn’t want to do is appear at the hearing, but since he’s investigating thoroughly, maybe he’ll change his mind and his heart will soften.”

  “I’ll go to the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles tomorrow. Who can join me?” asked Aunt Lupita. “When I spoke with Father Carlos of Santa Rosa, he referred me to some of the people he knows from the church who, just like Luis, had participated as Red Cross volunteers. I trust we can get something positive out of that. We will have more information next Sunday. I believe both Father Carlos and Mr. Mireles are willing to give us a hand.”

  “Very good, but remember that we only have three weeks left,” said Norma. “I hope that by next week, everything would be clearer.”

  That afternoon, Zina wrote her first letter to Luis:

  Love,

  Time hurts every day without you. It has been almost six weeks without having you in my arms. I feel your presence here by my side as if you were here with me, and my soul departs my body every night to come to where you are. It is a silent witness to your suffering, and it comes back to me with the same agony as when it left, but it brings with it the hope that we will once again have handfuls of love—the same love that unites us. Wherever you are, my soul will always be.

  Luis, we had a breakthrough today. We spoke with the school principal and she showed her support. Your aunt spoke with Father Carlos and he also promised help. I think everything is going to be okay. I hope to see you soon.

  I love you,

  Zina

  Aunt Lupita and Norberto did not have much luck at the Mexican Consulate. The Consul, Pedro Ramirez, was in a conference outside the country and wouldn’t be back until the following week, but they took note of all the information and made an appointment with the Consul’s secretary for the following Tuesday morning. Back home, discussing what other options they had, a great idea immediately came to them when they turned on the radio. They heard the voice of a famous, local radio host who had a segment about immigration, giving listeners advice. They started calling and after almost thirty minutes of waiting, their call went through. They first explained and outlined the case to a telephone operator, who took down necessary notes to provide to the counselor. He then patched their call through to the broadcaster. He repeated the questions on air and suggested what steps were to be taken. He told them what they already knew since Quintanilla had given them the same advice.

  Norberto requested to speak with the broadcaster off air for help. The broadcaster heeded and told him that he would ask the participation of other listeners, asking them to share stories regarding similar cases that had a successful ending. The anchor took down Norberto’s information. He gave him his direct number so that they could keep in touch. He thanked the broadcaster and ended the call.

  That same day, Zina’s father asked for a copy of the files from the lawyer. He also chatted with him for a bit over the phone.

  �
��You will be an important key for us,” Quintanilla said. “I will send you the copy tomorrow. I’ll give it to your daughter. I appreciate your call and I’ll keep you posted on what happens. I’m sure your daughter will be happy for the interest you have shown.”

  On Wednesday morning, Zina and Norberto stopped by the school to check if they had any update.

  “Everything is going well,” said Principal Johnson. “Many at school continue to have great sympathy for Luis. I have a meeting with my superintendent next week and I’ll see how much I can help.

  They chatted with Jonathan for a while before leaving the school.

  “We knew we could count on you. You don’t know how much we appreciate it.” said Zina.

  “You can count on my full support,” said Jonathan. “I promise we’ll keep helping in everything we can.”

  From there, they went to Norma’s place and together went to see the lawyer. Once they arrived, they updated Quintanilla about the progress they had made. Although nothing was certain, the lawyer stressed that having only three people attending the hearing would be sufficient. All that was needed to be done was to wait. Although only a week had passed, they were as ready as if they only had two more days to go before the hearing. Zina took the copy of the file to give to her father.

  The week passed in tranquility. Everyone was waiting for news. Norma informed Zina about Grandma Andrea’s condition so she could inform Luis, when she visited him the following weekend, that his grandmother was better.

  The situation had completely changed for Luis. His life inside that prison was different. He was in a dormitory with almost a hundred inmates. It only had a couple of toilets and two showers for the entire section. There was no privacy whatsoever. The walls of the toilets were less than four feet tall and all movements were monitored by cameras at all times. Nobody could leave that room. They could only leave when they had to see the judge, when it was time to be released or transferred to another prison and serve a greater sentence… or worst of all… when it’s time to be deported.

  They only had one television and with a specific time to watch it. They received a small portion of food at each meal, and only inmates who had any money could pay for better food. The only way to get that money was when a family member deposited cash in the inmate’s account. It would also allow them to buy a phone card to make calls to family or friends. All calls were recorded for security purposes and were considered possible leads in uncovering more crimes associated with the detainees. For Luis the reality hadn’t sunk in yet. He saw it as an illusion that he believed would soon pass. He had no money since nobody had told him anything about it; until another inmate, whom he befriended, informed him of the way things were.

  At first, Luis was a bit fearful believing he was surrounded by criminals and that they may have been mistaken in putting him there with such treatment and under these conditions, but he gradually discovered that the vast majority of prisoners were just like him. Their offenses were also minor and the crime which most of them had committed was being in this country illegally. There were many stories yet to be discovered.

  On Saturday morning, they shouted out his name. Visiting time had begun. He left his dorm and went to the visiting room, a long ward with many small cubicles divided by a large piece of glass, and in which the only way of communicating with visitors was through a phone.

  It was difficult to hold back the tears. Luis saw his beloved as beautiful as ever, but the agonized expression on her face depressed him. Luis’ own eyes clearly reflect his own trauma. They did not talk much as the visits were very short and were recorded, which meant that they had to act with discretion.

  “Norma spoke with your brother in Mexico,” Zina said. “It seems that your grandmother is in a better condition. She already left the hospital, and I think it’s time for you to try to call her so you can tell her what you’re going through.”

  Luis wanted to hide his need for money, evading the issue a bit.

  “I don’t think this is a good time. I’m hoping to be out soon, there for I don’t think it’s important enough to worry her.”

  “Of course it is, she is desperate to hear from you. I asked today and they told me that you can make calls to Mexico. Oh, please don’t get mad, but I put some money into your account. Talk to your grandmother today! She is very distressed because you have not called. Besides, Pablo said she is very lucid and very stable,” said Zina.

  “I will! Thanks again for your support. Hopefully someday I can repay you for all that you’ve done for me,” said Luis.

  Visiting time was over. The two promised to keep communicating through letters since it was very difficult for them to see each other.

  That afternoon, Luis bought a calling card and prepared himself emotionally to talk to his grandmother. When he anticipated that it was a good time to call, he dialed his brother’s cell phone number.

  “How are you, brother? How is everything there?” he said.

  “What a surprise!” said Pablo. “I thought you didn’t have permission to make calls. How are you?”

  “It’s the same story here. Hey, I only have a few minutes for my call. Can I talk to Grandma?” interrupted Luis.

  “Yes, you’re right, brother,” said Pablo. “She has recovered quite well. The only thing that she was missing was having us here by her side. I think that it’s when we leave her that she has a relapse. Remember, no bad news.”

  Six weeks had passed since Luis last spoke to his grandmother. He felt a mixture of fear and remorse in his heart, but was ready to pretend on the phone and swallow all his sorrows in an attempt to simulate joy—a joy that was far from being felt, not only over his dilemma, but over his grandmother’s medical condition too.

  “How are you, My Sweet Granny?” said Luis as tears streamed down his face “Pablo told me you are feeling much better. I really feel bad for not being able to talk with you sooner, but you were never home. I’ve been working hard here, and school has kept me very busy.”

  “Don’t worry, dear,” said the old woman. “But you don’t know how much you had me worried. I need to hear your voice. I’ve missed your reminders and your scolding. Anyway, I’m so glad you are doing well. Continue working hard and preparing yourself for the future. I always told your mother you’d be very successful, and I think wherever she is, she will realize that I was right. How is your relationship with your girlfriend? Are you getting married? I want you to give me the opportunity of getting to know a great-grandson from your end, because you see, the one from Pablo is underway. Tell me, dear, when are you coming? You said it would be soon.”

  “Of course, Grandma! I am going to be there very soon. Don’t stress yourself out so much. Remember that we have made many plans for when I return. I hope it’s going to be this year,” said Luis with a lump in his throat. “And of course, you will get to know my children, even though I’m not getting married soon. You’re going to live many more years and my children will have to go meet you. Well, Granny, I have to bid you goodbye for now; I have to go to work. I’ll call you within two or three weeks. Remember that I love you and you have to take care of yourself and remember to take your medicines. I don’t really like reprimanding you.” Taking a deep breath to stifle his tears, he said. “Please give me your blessings, even if it’s just by phone.”

  Grandma Andrea gave him her usual blessing and plenty of reminders to take care of himself. She promised him that she would continue praying for him and the whole family every day, entrusting their welfare to The Virgin Mary. Before being overcome with emotion she abruptly hung up.

  Jack took little heed of the files that his daughter gave him, for he had been very busy that week. He had to wait until the following Monday to review them in his office. On Monday morning, Jack arrived in the office with the files. He placed them on his desk and prepared to continue doing his usual routine. At lu
nch, he chatted with some colleagues including his boss whom he also considered as friend.

  “Well, gentlemen, there is something I want to talk to you about,” said Jack.

  Without much detail, he told them of the situation in which he was somehow involved with and the promise he made to his daughter about trying to do something for Luis. The views and opinions immediately became contradictory as one would expect considering that the issue in question was immigration. The demonstrations held the prior year calling for immigration reforms had sparked a hostile environment caused by anti-immigrant racist groups.

  “I think you should handle this case discretely,” said his boss Councilor Dan Peterson. “One wrong step could ruin your political career. Siding with the immigrants doesn’t make much sense nowadays, especially for politicians, because this issue is a political football.”

  “I don’t quite agree with that,” said another councilor. “I think you should get deeply involved with the issue since most of these cases have been unjust to immigrants. Although one may not see it, statistics show that they come to work in our country thus contributing resources to our economy. These anti-immigrant groups volley their hatred showing their intolerance against other races or ethnic groups especially the undocumented. “I don’t think we should just stand there arms crossed. If we are good citizens, we must support!”

  “Listen,” Peterson again intervened. “A young African American man was recently killed by a young illegal immigrant. The case resounded not only locally but on a national level. We ought to stay as far away as possible from all this to avoid being the target of these criticisms.”

  Councilor Paul Summer turned to Jack. “We cannot go through life ignoring the needs around us. Cases like what Dan had mentioned are one in a million. The American people have always been characterized as people with very good hearts. Others, hate groups have forgotten that this nation was founded by immigrants. We, who want a nation that’s united and want to live a life without hatred, far outnumber those who don’t. I advise you to do your best to help. I think you should go see John Gonzalez. He has more experience in these cases.”