The Latest: Ex-Marine deported to Mexico returns to US

SAN DIEGO – The Latest on a former U.S. Marine who was deported to Mexico but won the right to return to the United States (all times local):

11:25 a.m.

A former U.S. Marine deported to Mexico 15 years ago after being convicted of a minor offence has returned to the United States.

Marco Chavez crossed the border Thursday at San Diego, telling reporters he was in disbelief.

An immigration judge’s ruling last month allowed Chavez to return. California Gov. Jerry Brown had pardoned Chavez for a 1998 conviction of animal cruelty.

Chavez plans to live with his parents in Los Angeles while he waits for his permanent U.S. residency card to be replaced. He then will move to Iowa, where his ex-wife and children moved.

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12:06 a.m.

A former Marine deported to Mexico 15 years ago after being convicted of a minor offence has won his battle to return to the United States.

Marco Chavez plans to cross the border Thursday with his parents in an emotional homecoming. He spent his last day packing clothes and taking a red “Radio Flyer” wagon out of storage that he used to pull his sons in.

He hopes to cross the border with the keepsake.

An immigration judge’s ruling last month is allowing Chavez to return. California Gov. Jerry Brown had pardoned Chavez for a 1998 conviction of animal cruelty.

Chavez plans to live with his parents in Los Angeles while he waits for his permanent U.S. residency card to be replaced. He then will move to Iowa, where his ex-wife and children moved.