Despite attempts by the community and a Parkdale politician to stop the deportation, U.S. war resister Kimberly Rivera complied with orders to return to the United States yesterday.

It is reported that Rivera was arrested, detained and transferred to U.S. military custody after turning herself over to the United States.

“We are distraught that a mother and friend who had made a home here has been deported and arrested,” said Parkdale-High Park MPP Cheri DiNovo.

“Shame on the (Prime Minister Stephen) Harper government that ignored (retired) bishop (Desmond) Tutu and thousands of Canadians on this matter. My prayers are with Kim and her family.”

Rivera, who lived in Parkdale with her husband and four children, two of whom were born in Canada, came to Canada in 2007 to avoid further U.S. military service.

Rivera had applied to stay in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, but a decision on her application is pending.