Pablo Villavicencio is married to an American citizen and has two young daughters. He has a pending green card application, no criminal history, and is a tax-paying member of his community in New York.
He was delivering pizzas to an Army base, as he had done many times before. Instead of getting a tip and leaving, the guard on duty reported him to ICE, who took him into custody.
El Diario NY, the local Spanish-language paper, reported on the arrest.
I must praise Spanish-language media for bringing to light what happened to Pablo Villavicencio. Without them, we would have been completely in the dark here and had no idea this had even occurred! This is just another reason why the press is so vital in these crucial times. pic.twitter.com/L8fYhB1PzL
— Justin Brannan (@JustinBrannan) June 7, 2018
The New York Post picked up the story. So did the New York Times.
NY Councilman Justin Brennan—who serves the district where Pablo lives—spoke up for his family. All week, he has been tweeting and making public appearances questioning the policy of arresting non-violent, law-abiding residents.
Today @BPEricAdams and I stood with Sandra and her two daughters. Her husband and their dad Pablo is facing deportation because he delivered a pizza to an army base. Tell me how this is American. Tell me how taking Pablo off the street makes our nation safer. I'm listening. pic.twitter.com/L2xqv940tg
— Justin Brannan (@JustinBrannan) June 6, 2018
Three hours later, New York Mayor, Bill de Blasio, spoke up for this family.
We demand Pablo Villavicencio Calderón's immediate release. Delivering a pizza is not a threat to public safety. The ultimate city of immigrants stands ready to provide him and his family with any assistance we can.
— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) June 7, 2018
The same day, New York’s governor, Andrew Cuomo, is spoke up in his defense and offered legal assistance to Pablo and his family.
Happening right now: Gov Cuomo is speaking with Sandra, wife of Pablo Villavicencio who was arrested last night delivering pizza & detained by ICE. Gov Cuomo has secured a lawyer for Pablo and had 1 message for Sandra: “Anything we can do to help, we will do.” pic.twitter.com/BQ9V9M5QZx
— Melissa DeRosa (@melissadderosa) June 7, 2018
In addition to excellent press coverage and support of elected officials, neighbors came out to support Pablo and his family, demanding his release from ICE detention.
Good to have local representatives fighting for EVERYONE in their districts. Thank you Justin and everyone that came out for Pablo today. pic.twitter.com/T5PBLpAvao
— Ember ? (@embernic) June 6, 2018
With contributions in solidarity from all over the world, the Go Fund Me campaign created for Pablo and his family has already exceeded its $20,000 goal.
Then this happened…
#BREAKING: @LegalAidNYC wins emergency petition filed today in the #SDNY staying #ICE from deporting #PabloVillavicencio. Cc: @Gregoire1125 @MaketheRoadNY pic.twitter.com/GuLT7Viahn
— The Legal Aid Society (@LegalAidNYC) June 9, 2018
On Saturday afternoon, the Legal Aid Society (NYC) won an emergency petition to stay Pablo’s deportation.
The work isn’t yet over, but New York is a shining example of how people—from everyday people to governors, from journalists to non-profit lawyers—can stand with our neighbors.
The headlines may be bad, but the American people are better.