Most of the suspected illegal workers apprehended by federal agents at a Westminster auto parts company last week have opted to return home to Mexico as soon as possible.
Immigration and Naturalization Service agents, acting on tips that the Marada plant on Airport Drive was employing illegal immigrants, charged 29 Mexican nationals with entering the country in violation of the U.S. immigration law.
At bond hearings in the immigration court in Baltimore yesterday, 21 immigrants asked for voluntary departure. They have 30 days to leave the United States at their own expense.
"If they are found here after that time, they will be deported," said Richard Kenney, a spokesman for the Office of Immigration Review, an arm of the Department of Justice.
In either case, they may not re-enter the United States for 10 years and then only with a visa.
"If you go home and sneak back, you could be criminally prosecuted," said Immigration Judge John F. Gossart Jr. through an interpreter yesterday. "If found guilty, you could be jailed for up to a year and then deported."
The eight others apprehended in the raid Feb. 12 have asked for hearings to air their circumstances.
"They have issues and want their day in court," said John Shallman, an INS spokesman. "If they have any equity at all in the U.S., they may have a case against deportation."
Years of residence, American-born children or an American spouse would weigh in the judge's consideration, Shallman said.
The judge spoke to each immigrant and granted the requests of several who asked for time to hire attorneys. He set a second hearing for Tuesday.
Those who want to pursue their cases must post a $5,000 bond. If the court does not allow them to stay, the bond money will be returned through the American consulate in Mexico.
"If you breach the bond, all the money is lost," Gossart said.
Two attorneys from Catholic Charities in Baltimore offered the immigrants free legal services shortly after they were apprehended. The lawyers also attended the hearing yesterday.
Most of the detainees will not be allowed to stay in the United States, said Mark F. Horak, an immigration attorney with the charity.
"We advise of the options, if they cannot stay," Horak said. "We are not looking for clients, but if they want help, we are here. For many, the only question is the manner of departure."
