The Tomato Salesman (Part 2)
The Kidnapping of Carlos Marcello
For nearly a decade Carlos Marcello had walked into the immigration office inside the New Orleans Masonic Temple building, signed the logbook, traded a pleasantry, and walked back out.
He knew the routine the way he knew Jefferson Parish.
But on this day, his case officer told him to sit.
Carlos does not sit. He stands in the doorway. Something is off. The case officer, cordial most days, now won’t look him in the eye.
Two uniformed men step in from the hallway. One of them takes Marcello’s wrist, the handcuffs click, and the other officer reads a deportation order.
Carlos asks to consult with Philip Smith, the New Orleans attorney who accompanied him to the meeting.
The answer is no.
Carlos asks to stop at home for a suitcase and clothes.
Another no.
He asks to call his wife.
The answer is still no.
