Cross country and track star Ayded Reyes will no longer face the threat of deportation after the case against her was dismissed. Reyes will be able to remain in the United States and complete her education while continuing her efforts to become an American citizen.

Reyes was taken into custody by the Border Patrol while she was a passenger in a car stopped for a minor traffic violation in Chicano Park. She was detained for four days by the Immigration and Naturalization Service, shuttled around between hold cells in Chula Vista and San Ysidro. She was pressured to sign voluntary deportation papers, but refused.

Congressman Bob Filner was able to secure her release just in time for her to compete in the Pacific Coast Conference cross country championships, which she won. She also led the women’s team to the league championship.

Reyes is ranked number one in the state for women’s cross country runners and holds two SWC track and field records. She is currently competing for the track team and is training for the state championships in May.

The ruling means that Reyes will not be threatened with deportation if she is taken into custody again. A dean’s list student, Reyes plans to attend a major university on a cross country and track scholarship and earn a degree in biology in preparation for medical school. Her goal is to become an obstetrician and serve women in this community.

She recently earned a Chicano/Latino Coalition Scholarship and is a finalist for SWC’s highest student honor, the Student of Distinction Award.