California Governor Jerry Brown Pardons Three Military Veterans Deported to Mexico Christopher Cadelago - The Sacramento Bee
go to original April 16, 2017

Deported US Military Veterans Live in Limbo: A group of US military veterans gather at place called "The Bunker" to swap stories and hope for their return to the country they served. (CNN)

Gov. Jerry Brown, in a spring tradition timed to the Easter renewal, extended pardons Saturday to three people who served in the U.S. military but were deported to Mexico after completing sentences for various crimes.

Brown said the former service members were honorably discharged and promised citizenship for their service but nonetheless were deported. One of the men, Hector Barajas Varela, served more than one year in prison after shooting at an occupied home or vehicle, and went on to found the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana, Mexico, to help deportees adjusting to life there.

“It’s a recognition that the individuals served their country and deserve a second chance and a second look,” Brown spokesman Evan Westrup said.

The cases were part of the 72 pardons and seven commutations Brown issued ahead of Easter, the majority covering old crimes dealing with drugs and other lower-level offenses. Of the seven commutations to inmates, six will have a chance to make their case for release before the Board of Parole Hearings.

...“We have to do everything we can to change people,” Brown said of rehabilitation programs. “You can’t change everybody. But you can change quite a number.”

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