The Latest: Ecuadorean immigration thankful for freedom

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – The Latest on the release of an Ecuadorean immigrant who was held for deportation after delivering pizza to a Brooklyn Army installation (all times local):

12:50 p.m.

An Ecuadorean immigrant who’s been freed by a U.S. judge says he thought his world “was coming to an end” when he was detained after delivering pizza to a Brooklyn Army installation.

Pablo Villavicencio (vee-uh-vih-SEHN’-see-oh) spoke outside his Long Island home Wednesday, the morning after his release from immigration detention.

Villavicencio was arrested June 1 after a routine background check during the pizza delivery revealed an arrest warrant for immigration law violations.

A U.S. District Court judge said Tuesday he can remain in the United States while seeking legal status. The judge said Villavicencio has no criminal history, has paid his taxes and has worked hard to provide for his family.

Villavicencio, who has a wife and two young daughters, expressed gratitude for the decision.

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10 a.m.

An Ecuadorean immigrant who was held for deportation after delivering pizza to a Brooklyn Army installation is at home on Long Island after an emotional reunion with his family.

Sandra Chica told Newsday on Wednesday there were tears and kisses when her husband, Pablo Villavicencio (vee-uh-vih-SEHN’-see-oh), walked through their door late Tuesday. The couple has two daughters, ages 2 and 4.

Villavicencio was arrested June 1 after a routine background check during the pizza delivery revealed an arrest warrant for immigration law violations.

A District Court judge said he can remain in the United States while seeking legal status. The judge said Villavicencio has no criminal history, has paid his taxes and has worked hard to provide for his family.

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Information from: Newsday, http://www.newsday.com

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Information from: Newsday, http://www.newsday.com