---
Designated Justice Secretary Janet Parra Mercado announced on Thursday the implementation of precautionary measures to ensure that victims and witnesses of crime with undefined immigration status receive the corresponding services and protections.
“I trust that, with these measures, we will not only ensure the continuity of cases before the courts and ongoing investigations, but also provide protection and support to victims and witnesses of crime who, regardless of their immigration status, collaborate with the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the clarification and criminal prosecution of their cases,” Parra Mercado said in a written statement.
Among the measures established, prosecutors and attorneys for juvenile affairs were instructed to ensure that victim service technicians make the corresponding referral for visa processing. In addition, they were prohibited from refusing to sign certifications or visa applications on the grounds that the case has not been concluded or that the victim’s cooperation is still ongoing.
Likewise, it was ordered that any victim or witness with undefined immigration status be accompanied by a victim services technician during their appearance before the court. The technicians must also communicate with the identified victims and witnesses to assess additional needs and follow up on pending immigration procedures.
Parra Mercado emphasized that there are immigration remedies available to protect victims who survive domestic violence, as well as witnesses of other crimes.
“The message is clear, regardless of their immigration status, no victim who survives gender violence should fear going to the authorities to report their abuser,” she said. “At the Department of Justice we have the resources and specialized personnel to make the appropriate referrals and collaborate in the visa procedures that are required.”
