Carlos Figueroa and Sandra Figueroa

Carlos and Sandra Figueroa have been in deportation proceedings since 2009 when Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputies arrested them in an immigration sweep at a local car wash in Phoenix. On July 2013, U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) closed their deportation case.

Public pressure, a petition campaign and the visibility of their story in the media played an important role in the suspension of their deportation. But it was Kathy’s voice the one that made the biggest difference.

“After conducting a comprehensive review of the Figueroa’s immigration case, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has chosen to exercise prosecutorial discretion in this matter,” said the agency in a statement.

Carlos and Sandra got married in Mexico City and come to Phoenix almost 20 years ago looking for a better life. Their first job was at the carwash where Carlos became a manager.