A local deliveryman who had applied to receive a green card was detained upon his arrival to deliver pizza to military personnel at Fort Hamilton. Witnesses reported that Pablo Villavicencio showed his IDNYC card when he was asked for identification. Members of the military allowed him to deliver the pizza before taking him into custody. Villavicencio’s case demonstrates the very real threats posed to undocumented workers even in the relatively safe sanctuary city of New York. For many of these individuals, working with a New York immigration lawyer is the best way to avoid issues with ICE and potential deportation proceedings.
Military Cooperating with ICE
According to the spokesperson for Fort Hamilton, Villavicencio had signed a waiver that allowed for a background check when he first applied for a day pass to the base. During the course of that background investigation, an active warrant from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was discovered. The military base notified ICE of Villavicencio’s status and took him into custody upon his next visit to Fort Hamilton.
Protests Met With Arrests
On June 6, 2018, protestors marched from Fort Hamilton to 87th and Fifth Avenue. During the march, dozens of people chanted, “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.” Seven people were charged with criminal conduct for blocking traffic in connection with this march, which was intended to show support for Villavicencio and other undocumented individuals living and working in the New York City area.
Breaking Up an American Family
Villavicencio had already begun the green card application process when he was taken into custody by ICE. He leaves behind a wife, Sandra Chica, and two young daughters. Governor Andrew Cuomo and many other advocates for immigrant rights are working to ensure that he has access to a New York green card lawyer and that he is well represented in his fight against deportation.
New York Green Card Lawyer
At Pozo Goldstein, we are committed to providing you and your family with practical options to resolve your visa issues and to help you remain in this country legally. Our team includes two former prosecutors in the immigration court system and a former judge. This ensures that we have the expertise and the proven knowledge needed to deal with your case quickly and effectively. If you need the services of an experienced and knowledgeable New York immigration lawyer, call us today at 212-201-9031. We look forward to the chance to work with you.
