Man Exonerated After 43 Years in Prison Faces Deportation from US

Wrongful Conviction and Exoneration

• 💡 After serving 43 years for a murder conviction, Supermal Batum was exonerated by a Pennsylvania judge in August.
• 🎯 The conviction was overturned due to prosecutors failing to disclose key evidence, specifically that the bullet wound size did not match the alleged murder weapon.
• 🔑 Batum, who maintained his innocence, was offered plea deals but refused, stating his dignity and honor were all he had left.

Post-Release Detention and Deportation Order

• 📌 Moments after his release from state prison, Batum was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.
• ⚖️ The detention is based on a 1999 deportation order citing both the murder case and an early 1980s drug conviction, along with accusations of theft and gun violations.
• 🏠 Batum lawfully immigrated from India as an infant and is a legal permanent resident, with his defense team arguing his wrongful imprisonment should be considered against the deportation order.

Batum's Life and Record in Prison

• 📚 During his 43 years of incarceration, Batum earned multiple degrees and tutored other inmates, helping them complete their GEDs and other educational programs.
• ✅ He is described as a person who never gave up hope, maintained his innocence, and had an outstanding record in prison, leading the county prosecutor to choose not to retry the case.
• 💬 Batum's defense team highlights his calm and patient demeanor, emphasizing his belief that truth, justice, compassion, and kindness will ultimately prevail.

Official Statements

• 🗣️ In a statement, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Trisha Mclaflin indicated that a single vacated conviction would not stop ICE enforcement of federal immigration law.