Past transgressions
James Island man faces deportation because of 34-year-old felony
Danny Cizek of James Island has taken down the American flag in front of his mobile home near Folly Beach.
He and his wife, Cathy, did so after he was arrested by federal immigration officials in May, being punished a second time for a mistake he made 34 years ago.
Today, he will appear before a federal judge in Atlanta to see whether he can remain in the United States or must return to the Czech Republic.
The Post and Courier
Danny Cizek, a Czech immigrant, stands outside his mobile home with his wife, Cathy, as the Czech flag flies overhead. Cizek was jailed by immigration officials for five weeks after he responded to what he thought was an innocuous letter. He is out on bail.
"I've been through nine rounds. Now I'm going to the final one," he said. "I want someone to tell me why this is happening so many years later."
Cizek, who lives modestly and hasn't hired a lawyer, said his troubles stem from a 1975 felony conviction for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
But he is not sure why it's happening now. "I don't know," he said. "I don't have an explanation."
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, part of the Department of Homeland Security, won't comment on specific pending cases, agency spokesman Ivan Ortiz Delgado said.
Land of opportunity
Zdenek Cizek was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, in 1950, and his family watched as the Warsaw Pact invaded the country in 1968.
Fearful that the Soviet Union would force him into military service, he left his family and fled to Austria, then eventually to the United States, which offered political asylum.
He began calling himself "Danny," the common English name that most closely resembled his own. Inspired by the movie "Easy Rider," Cizek spent much of his first years here hitchhiking across the country, learning about Native Americans and working for food inside restaurants here and there.
His English was still spotty when he ended up in the Lowcountry, a place he sought out because of its warm weather.
He did some odd jobs but spent much of his time partying. Susan Boles of Summerville first met Cizek in 1972, at her home in Summerville. He and her brother were friends.
"Even though my brother didn't speak Czech and Danny didn't speak English, they talked all night long," she said.
His early years here were full of brushes with the law. He was arrested for possessing LSD and marijuana and also for reckless homicide after his car crashed on the Isle of Palms, killing his passenger. But his biggest trouble came in 1975, when he was arrested with about 44 pounds of marijuana, a felony. He never hired a lawyer but eventually was released after serving six months in a Dorchester County jail.
The incident sobered him up, and he married soon after his release. His new father-in-law helped him get a steady job at Robert Bosch Corp.
His first marriage didn't last, but his new career did. Cizek began courting Susan Boles, and they married a few years later and had a son. Since then, his only brush with the law has been a 1988 arrest for driving under the influence.
During his career, Cizek had a passport and left the country at least three times, traveling to Germany on business for Bosch. After the Iron Curtain came down, Cizek even returned to Prague.
Life interrupted
Cizek retired from Bosch in March after 33 years there, and he and his third wife, Cathy, had begun to think about how they would spend their retirement, possibly buying a pop-up camper and traveling around the country.
The following month, he received a letter from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in April, which asked him to come by its offices on the fifth floor of 170 Meeting St.
His 1975 felony conviction had prevented Cizek from pursuing U.S. citizenship, but he has permanent resident status. "We were joking I'd get a free ticket to Prague," Cizek said. "Nobody gave me a warning that something was amiss."
Cizek appeared at the office on May 12 and soon was handcuffed and placed in a holding cell. Later that day, he was taken to the Charleston County Detention Center, where he spent several days before being transferred on a bus full of other federal prisoners to a jail in Lumpkin, Ga.
He spent about five weeks in jail before bonding out late last week, just in time to spend a weekend at home with his wife before returning to Atlanta for a court date today.
Boles, who is disabled and receives alimony from Cizek, said she doesn't understand how he could have traveled abroad several times, "then a month after he retires, boom, he's arrested because he's supposed to be in the states illegally."
Cathy Cizek said she also can't understand what is going on.
"Everybody understands the need for homeland security, but isn't this going a little too far?" she asked. "Yes, we want to be safe, but safe from a 59-year-old grandfather who did his time 34 years ago? I can't believe our government would do this."
Danny Cizek said many jailers and other officials with whom he has discussed his predicament also have a hard time believing that such an old conviction could result in his deportation. He can only hope they're right.
The Cizeks have left Charleston to travel to the Atlanta Immigration Court for an 8:30 a.m. hearing today before Immigration Judge William A. Cassidy.
While they're gone, only the Czech Republic flag flies from the front stairs of their home.
Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771 or at rbehre@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
Cid95 (anonymous) says...
"During his career, Cizek had a passport and left the country at least three times..."
A passport of what nation?
Sounds like a screwed up situation, and this guy is not exactly a model immigrant. Having said that - think of all the energy we expend on people like this who are trying to work within the system while millions just piss on the US, ignore the system, and get away with it?
June 23, 2009 at 12:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MC29461 (anonymous) says...
Shame on this reporter for saying that this man's biggest trouble came after being arrested for 44 pounds of marijuana when he had earlier been arrested for reckless homicide.
Possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute is NOT a greater charge than reckless homicide.
There is more to this man's story than is written in this article which is also heavily slanted towards eliciting sympathy from the P&C readers.
ICE is far too busy to simply screw with some old retired hippie.
June 23, 2009 at 1:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NativeSon (anonymous) says...
Cid95 wrote:
Think of all the energy we expend on people like this who are trying to work within the system while millions just piss on the US, ignore the system, and get away with it?
The truth is, they get away with it because obama, pelosi, et al love them, kiss their butts and want to give these sluts your jobs.
June 23, 2009 at 4:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pirate42 (anonymous) says...
2 troubleing situations here Homicide , 44 pounds of pot... dam.. but to make him pay now after working 33 years an retiring leave him alone
June 23, 2009 at 4:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
Yeah right NativeDumb, It's Obama and Pelosi's fault this guy is in trouble. For a religious freak you say sure some mighty unchristian like things.
June 23, 2009 at 4:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
watchdog (anonymous) says...
NativeSon, you have issues.......Get back on your meds.
June 23, 2009 at 4:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
Insane.
June 23, 2009 at 5:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tulane75 (anonymous) says...
Immigration law is a specialized area and often difficult to understand.
Thanks to NativeSon for explaining that President Obama and Nancy Pelosi are to blame here. You have to appreciate his "special" logic!"
June 23, 2009 at 5:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lillycollette (anonymous) says...
I've been struggling since 2001 to get a criminal case involving Document and Benefit Fraud investigated. http://www.ice.gov/partners/idbenfrau...
No one wants to touch it on the-excuse-that the case started in 1984. That would be twenty five (25) years ago.
Now I see that the same powers-that-be are willing to back-track thirty four (34) years in going after Mr. Cizek.
June 23, 2009 at 6:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spengler (anonymous) says...
Wow. Perhaps not the best candidiate for citizenship... but, an acquaintance from the former USSR recently had a bit of trouble. He told me the government seems to be rounding up people from former communist countries who have anti-communist beliefs. He thinks the current goverment doesn't want people here who lived under former communist systems and know how to undermine those systems. A pilot buddy just told me that the government is now demanding detailed information on general aviation flights INSIDE the US. Since when does a citizen have to have permission to travel inside the US? If this is happening with private pilots, whose next? These events are exact copies of the Enabling Act put into place by Hitler's Reich. I smell a muslim who claims he's from Hawaii.
June 23, 2009 at 6:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
"I smell a muslim who claims he's from Hawaii" My new favorite line!
Yeah I think this guy falls under the "moonpie sniff test for immigration. Your here illegally, You shouldn't be here, you shouldn't be here, period. I know that if I had heard his story 30 yrs ago, 44 lbs of pot, killing his passenger, dui, I would have been screaming from the roof tops for his deportation just like I do when I hear about our current illegal population. Sorry sir you need to go.
June 23, 2009 at 6:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
Posted by spengler-
"These events are exact copies of the Enabling Act put into place by Hitler's Reich. I smell a muslim who claims he's from Hawaii."
----------------------------------------------------------
I smell a very ignorant and racist man commenting on things obviously way over his head.
Go get some more tinfoil for you hat spunkler, it will protect you from the muslims who want to kill you for your freedoms.
June 23, 2009 at 6:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ColdBud (anonymous) says...
He's a habitual criminal. I don't care if he suffers the rest of his life.
June 23, 2009 at 6:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mb300sl (anonymous) says...
Ship him AND all illegal aliens out of the country...
June 23, 2009 at 7:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spengler (anonymous) says...
Typical marxist. Attack the messenger; don't address the facts because you can't refute them. Another Obamazombie.
June 23, 2009 at 7:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Wow the whackos are out in mass today. Typical moronic comments that politicize the issue. Good job all.
June 23, 2009 at 7:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vsb8080 (anonymous) says...
He is not in the Usa ilegally. He is a permanant legal resident. Yes, he made a mistake but, he did his time in jail and 5 years probation. Did he not "pay his debt to society"? The man worked at Bosch for 33 years and is now retired. If he is deported he will never see his son again and never meet his g'daughter that is due in August. At least he had a job and paid taxes. Give him a break!!!!!!!
June 23, 2009 at 8:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
Nutjobs abound!
June 23, 2009 at 8:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCHoser (anonymous) says...
Up until now he has gotten a pass for the most part. Bad things happen to bad people sooner or later-karma ring a bell? Six months for 44 pounds of pot and the article didn't say how much, if any, time for the homicide is pretty damn lucky. Plus the other run ins-what did this guy expect? And he only flies the Czech flag now? You'll fly the American flag if you get away with stuff, but when trouble stirs you turn your back? You were lucky for 33+ years so take it and go.
June 23, 2009 at 8:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
issuetaker (anonymous) says...
While they're gone, only the Czech Republic flag flies from the front stairs of their home.
And there you have it.
June 23, 2009 at 8:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmirat90 (anonymous) says...
"I smell a muslim who claims he's from Hawaii" My new favorite line!
Wow...you sound like that crazy woman at the McCain rally...
June 23, 2009 at 9 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
The man did the crimes and paid the time from the sound of it. As far as we know, for 30 years of so he has led an acceptable life as a citizen with legal status. There has to be something we do not know, unless it is what I hate to fall back on...typical government incompetence.
June 23, 2009 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
He got political asylum, but he clearly did not have respect for the laws of this country. He couldn't even wait until he finished the full citizenship requirements before he started breaking laws right & left.
In other words, he kicked the gift horse in the mouth.
Further, he was 25 yrs old when he was caught with 44 lbs. of pot.
"He made A mistake"??? Hardly.
June 23, 2009 at 9:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nopartisan_noproblem (anonymous) says...
If the almighty government felt like his time was served, what right do they have to come in and take him now. He was deemed a permanent residence. He worked all this time, paid taxes (when so many illegal aliens and welfare bottom feeders don't). Now they're gonna take his tax money and he won't even receive the faux social security he put into all of his life. Typical. You never get back what you put in.
June 23, 2009 at 9:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltgrunt (anonymous) says...
It doesn't seem to be coincidence that this happens while xenophobic, anti-immigrant sentiments are building up. Since blaming all of our problems on terrorists hasn't worked out over the past several years, people are being cowed into believing the rhetoric of blaming all of our problems on immigrants. Wonderful.
As much as this man has contributed to this country by being a taxpayer and by paying for his crimes, the fact that he's being tossed aside now that we're basically done with him reeks of either sensation-driven bureaucracy or a very special kind of stupidity, and it's not immediately apparent which one it might be.
June 23, 2009 at 9:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Hmmmmm........
WoW...think Citizens...!!!
James Island....??? Well..where is ANN Petersen Hutto..???? This Fine fellow needz a lawyer...!!! And Anne is a DEMOCRAT....!?!?!
Will she stand UP for this fine individual.....????
How about SCARBOROUGH....!?!?!
Mr Cizek, We highly suggest you pick up the phone and call A P Hutto and Mr. Scarborough....!!!!!
After all it is Summer break....!!!!!!!
June 23, 2009 at 10:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmirat90 (anonymous) says...
God I thought I was reading an ee cummings poem.....
that is tiresome to read that.
June 23, 2009 at 10:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Danny "My Boy" Cizek........
It soundz like you worked hard for BOSCH Corp...!!!??? Where is Robert Ford'd district...!?!?! ...or Tim Scott's
Bosch sure does generate a LOT of Tax Revenue for OUR state. Are your fellow workers going to stand for your deportation after permanent residence status...!?!? We are sure these fine workers have PULL with JAMES CLYBURN or Henry Brown or Bobby Harrell or Lindsey Graham, or Andre' BAUER...!?!?!
We highly suggest you go run your FLAG up the FLAGPOLE at BOSCH and take a quick picture to put on bumerstickers for all your fellow co-workers to put on their bumpers....!!!!
Heck...announce that YOU are running for GOvernor of South Carolina in 2010 as a STUNT....!?!?! But be DEAD Serious....!!!!!!!
Danny........no American we know of wears a HALO...!!! Get off the mat and start swinging....!!!!! Furthermore, follow up with Robert about your chain of events and WHO is standing up for YOU...!?!?!
June 23, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
discusted01 (anonymous) says...
It didn't sound to me like he really did serve his time? You can't believe everything you read. How much you wanna bet there is more to this story that isn't in the article?
June 23, 2009 at 10:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Bunny2 (anonymous) says...
Spengler, you say that someone you know told you that "...the government seems to be rounding up people from former communist countries who have anti-communist beliefs. He thinks the current goverment doesn't want people here who lived under former communist systems and know how to undermine those systems."
What credentials does this acquaintance have and why would you repeat such blatant and unsubstantiated rumor?
June 23, 2009 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Robert....... (yes YOU ...reporter)
What a trail of smoke you weave...!!!
You inform Us that he has NO LAWYER and that he is from James Island but you do NOT ask himn if he has talked to Ann Petersen Hutto....???? Did he VOTE in the last election...!?!?! After all these YEARS....can he vote at ALL...!?!
Who did he VOTE for...!?!?
Has anyone from the ACLU contacted him for a SHOW of support..!?!
WHAT About the NAASCP...????
Robert....since DANNY loves FLAGS....does he know that the WIND that blows through his hair and FLAG is ENERGY that could be generating TAX Revenue....!?!?!
My Heavenly....Gritz, ROBERT !!!!!!!!!!!
We are FED.....UP !!!! (Fist POUNDz...!)
June 23, 2009 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dcizek (anonymous) says...
i think it would be an injustice if that judge decides to deport my dad he paid his debt and then some he is a good dad and person and i thank everyone that has supported us
June 23, 2009 at 12:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tides (anonymous) says...
Meanwhile several thousand criminal illegal mexicans run the streets of Charleston - still working for all these building contractors who hire them.
Amazing.
June 23, 2009 at 1:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tides (anonymous) says...
"Brush with the law" ... You know there are so many laws on the books that every single citizen of the United States has broken at the least one or two. So that makes the US a nation of CRIMINALS .. lol
June 23, 2009 at 1:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mqc (anonymous) says...
Why would ICE want to work for their prey. I'm sure it is a lot more difficult to round up a few of the others, when they have people like this man to go after. I don't understand if he is a permanent resident, how he can be deported. Was he only deemed a permanent resident when he worked and paid taxes? Once he retired, he lost that status?
June 23, 2009 at 1:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MANDO (anonymous) says...
Mexican, Czech, Canadian, Chinese, etc. An illegal is an illegal. He may have been a productive, law-abiding, tax paying citizen now but that doesn't make up for him still being here illegally. I don't care if he came over on a boat or floated over on a door, we have laws.
However, if he has permanent resident status and he married an American, I don't see how a felony drug conviction could bar him from being here.
And "Danny", this is America. Take down the Czech flag and put back up the American flag. Keep the faith, comrade.
June 23, 2009 at 1:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nopartisan_noproblem (anonymous) says...
I'm thinking that if you're only considered a permanent resident, and not a citizen, you can be deported if they feel you have become a "menace to society". They are probably bringing up his old crimes and considering him too much of a nuisance to america, so they will attempt to deport him. Sad story.
Like many posters said before, he was working and paying taxes. That is the biggest complaint amongst anti-illegal immigration supporters is their lack of paying taxes.
June 23, 2009 at 1:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmirat90 (anonymous) says...
Tides- I agree with you completely about the illegals from south of the border all of the lowcounty. The solution is simple, it really is. I don't blame them for coming here to better themselves, however, it's not the right and legal way to do it. What we need to do is prosecute the employers of these illegals. I mean sentences with some real teeth and very hefty fines. Make it not worth their while to take a chance hiring them.
June 23, 2009 at 1:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoliGadfly (anonymous) says...
dcizek, of course you'd consider it an injustice. Spoken as a loyal son. That changes nothing of course, but as long as you're here, you can express your view.
Other illegals should note that freedom alone may be worth getting legal.
June 23, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vsb8080 (anonymous) says...
For those of you that read only what you want let me repeat one more time. HE IS NOT HERE ILLEGALLY. He is a permanant legal resident. He did 6 months in jail but what was not mentioned was he did 5 years probation. I contacted the ACLU and there was nothing they could do to help. I wrote a letter to Obama and never heard from him or his staff. I contacted channel 5 news and never got a response from them.And yes, now that he is retired they have chosen to ship he off so he can not get any of they Social Security he paid in for 33 years. No, he did not vote because he is a convicted felon and is not allowed to vote. He made mistakes as we all have yet to take him from his home and family is just wrong. I am the ex wife of Danny and I still think he is getting a raw deal!!!!!!
June 23, 2009 at 4:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
crabby (anonymous) says...
This sounds more like the policies that began under the last administration. The borders are wide open and ICE is wasting time and money going after a tax-paying legal resident!
Contact your Congressmen. Henry Brown probably won't do anything to help, but it's worth a try.
June 23, 2009 at 4:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
palmettogirl (anonymous) says...
Wow, that is amazing. He worked, paid taxes and social security for 33 years. This is not right. So what?, he made some mistakes in the past, let him enjoy his retirement. I'm sorry but if they are looking for people to deport in South Carolina, they can look no further than Ashley Phosphate or Stall Road. Yo no soy racista, indicando justo los hechos.
June 23, 2009 at 6:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jdargonaut (anonymous) says...
Realamerikan,
get over it. You have an issue with anyone who denounces the socialist leaders of our country. Why the hatefulness?
JDA
June 23, 2009 at 9:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoliGadfly (anonymous) says...
I am the ex wife of Danny and I still think he is getting a raw deal!!!!!!
not to mention I can't get the financial benefit of being an ex.
June 23, 2009 at 9:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vsb8080 (anonymous) says...
I am trying to help Danny for the sake of our son and g
child and you attack me? You don't know me or my situation. That was a very hateful thing to say.
June 23, 2009 at 9:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
walleyedwoman1215 (anonymous) says...
I'm tired and probably not in my right mind, but here's what jumps out at me: Dude has multiple arrests; abuses and probably sells drugs; drinks and drifts across the country; kills a human being;gets a DUI; is hauled off to jail more than once and...
(drum roll)
Still finds 3 women to marry him!
I just don't get it.
June 23, 2009 at 9:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JohnS (anonymous) says...
If Danny worked at Bosch for 33 years he must have been a pretty good employee. They have strict rules at Bosch. Leave the man alone.
June 23, 2009 at 10:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PoliGadfly (anonymous) says...
Hateful? The paper pointed out that portion of the story which undermines the credibility of what is claimed. I merely questioned the nobility of the support based on that.
The point is the govt has uncovered something for which deportation is, to them, the appropriate remedy. The "mistakes" listed in the account had consequences which admittedly may be more harsh to a non-citizen. That's part of the risk taken and now being realized.
June 23, 2009 at 10:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Cid95 (anonymous) says...
If he had a US passport, then my understanding is that he is a US citizen. How can you deport a US citizen? Citizenship cannot be revoked. I'm obviously not acquainted with all the facts.
June 23, 2009 at 10:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Buddie (anonymous) says...
I worked with Danny, he came here for political asylum... read the story it was 1968 to 1972 he made some mistakes.... common enough at that time yes they were bad but he went through the court system and did the punishment given to him. How would you like to be pulled from home dumped in a country not knowing the langage seems it would be easy to fall in with the wrong crowd. I am not approving of the behavor but think about it. This cost him his opertunity to get his citizenship but he did get permenent residentship. Now after years of tax-paying work and raising a family they come after him ... go after the ones who are here illeagaly... like the guy who when arreasted for hitting a motercyle rider (who later died) could not produce a valid SCDL but since you cant ask for proof of citizenship unless in court ... he paid the ticket and did not appear in court for further charges ...431 dollars for a life ... yea a fair system
July 8, 2009 at 7:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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