UPDATE: Javier Gonzalez is no longer wearing an ankle monitor, said his attorney.
The ankle monitor was removed Tuesday when Javier met with immigration officials.
He was also given a 30-day extension to contest the case.
EARLIER STORY:
A local man set to be deported back to Mexico next Tuesday won a temporary stay Thursday, according to his lawyer.
This is Javier Gonzalez’s second surprise of the day. His lawyer, Richard Hujber, unexpectedly showed at Javier’s work, Pizza Al Fresco on Palm Beach, where he is a manager.
The first one a phone call from Richard.
“He told me I don’t have to leave on Tuesday,” Javier said.
Javier still has the ankle monitor on that immigration authorities gave him, originally to ensure that he would buy a one-way ticket to Mexico July 3.
He can now cancel it that reservation.
“I will tomorrow,” he said.
The fight is not over though.
This all started back in 2001. He was deported back to Mexico then after he came back to the U.S. from visiting his parents with what he thought was a valid visa. He was stopped at the airport and then came back before his five-year ban was up.
He’s been married to a U.S. citizen for 12 years and has three American born children.
I asked him about staying here with his family.
“Absolutely, it’s a great day. This means a lot to me that he shows up,” he said laughing, looking at Richard. “You told me you were in Tampa!”
“I was! Trust me. It was a helluva job to get here but it’s the best feeling in the world,” Richard said.
“It’s been a great day,” Javier said.
Richard couldn’t go into specifics what immigration authorities told him about the status of the federal appeal, but he knows July 3 will come and go, and Javier will still be in the U.S.
“They’re going to have to reserve certain documents, rectify certain things and major issues and then we’re going to be given a chance to respond and a chance to contest that and we’re going to do that,” Richard said.
Exclusive video: Watch as Javier Gonzalez, who was set to be deported back to Mexico on July 3rd, is embraced by his lawyer who helped him earn more time in the US. @WPTVpic.twitter.com/WhekyTfjf4
— Andrew Lofholm (@AndrewLofholm) June 29, 2018
