This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Update [5:50 p.m.]: According to a family spokesperson, Romulo Avelica-Gonzalez was released from Adelanto Detention Center at approximately 5:20 p.m. and has been reunited with his family.
After six months in the custody of federal immigration authorities, Romulo Avelica-Gonzalez was granted bond during a hearing on Wednesday morning and is expected to be released tonight. Avelica-Gonzalez, who is originally from Mexico, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents while dropping his daughters off at school in February. A video of the arrest filmed by his sobbing, then-13-year-old daughter went viral, bringing widespread attention to his case.
#romuloavelica to be released from @ICEgov tonight on $6,000 bond
— Andrea Castillo (@andreamcastillo) August 30, 2017
The 49-year-old father of four U.S.-born children has lived in the U.S. for more than half of his life. He was at risk of imminent deportation earlier this month after an emergency stay of removal granted by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals expired on August 5. Avelica-Gonzalez was granted temporary relief a few days later, whenthe nation's highest immigration court vacated his final deportation order on August 10, meaning his case will return to local immigration court—a process that could take years.
ABC 7 reports that bond was granted at $6,000 during the hearing. The Avelica-Gonzalez family has been fundraising to help with legal fees, and donations to contribute toward his bond can be made here.
“Every day I wake up knowing that I must be at least half as strong as my children have been in their fight for my freedom," Avelica-Gonzalez said in a statement from Adelanto Detention Center earlier this month. "I have gained strength from all who have stood alongside me these past months—the most difficult period of my life. I will never give up fighting for my rights, and for the rights of other immigrants.”
Previously: This Is What It's Like When A Father Of 4 Is Detained By ICE While Dropping His Daughters Off At School
Why Is The City Attorney Taking A Harsh Stance Against An L.A. Father Fighting Deportation?
Decades-Old Criminal Case Against Father Detained By ICE Settled, Paving Way For His Potential Release From Detention
Father Detained By ICE While Dropping Daughter At School Could Be Deported Next Week
L.A. Father Romulo Avelica-Gonzalez Granted Temporary Stay Of Removal
Appeals Court Lifts Deportation Order For L.A. Father Detained By ICE
