Velázquez on Release of Pablo Villavicencio Calderon
Velázquez on Release of Pablo Villavicencio Calderon
Praises Stay of Deportation of Ecuadorian Immigrant Detained Delivering Pizza
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement regarding news that a federal judge ordered the release of the man who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when delivering pizza to Fort Hamilton Army Base in New York:
"I'm truly gratified to see that the court has not only ordered Mr. Villavicencio released, but is also staying his deportation to allow him to exercise all legal options. This is a hardworking family man who was needlessly detained when he was trying to do his job and support his family. We simply must put an end to this climate of fear and suspicion that is terrorizing immigrant communities. Enough is enough.
"It is my hope that not only will he be allowed to stay in the U.S., but that also military personnel will think twice in the future before arbitrarily calling immigration enforcement."
In late June, Velázquez led thirteen colleagues from the New York Congressional delegation in writing to Fort Hamilton Army Base and pressing for answers about the circumstances leading up to Mr. Villavicencio's detention.