So if this judge knows the limits of his authority, why doesn't Doug and Watson?  Hmmm.  Jane Lee makes a point about law enforcement.  In the article the author uses language to elicit an emotional response to a law enforcement issue.  I am sure that Mr Ortiz knew what the consequences of his actions or inaction could mean to him and his family in the short term and long term.  I am sure that he had seen others under similar circumstances be treated the same.  "Don't do the crime, if you can't do the time..." from the theme song for the old Baretta TV show, but in this case the focus of the article won't do time, he will just be deported.

Will he be allowed to petition for re-entry?  Maybe.  If he gets a good lawyer and a sympathetic judge, he'll probably be let back in.  Notice the author doesn't canvass legal emigres or immigrants for their opinion on this.  The author probably already knows what they will say.