A 66-year-old U.S. resident faces deportation after decades of lawful life—over one mistake made 15 years ago.

The Haitian Pulse | Immigration & Justice Watch

A 66-year-old grandfather, father, husband, and legal U.S. resident of nearly six decades is now fighting for his right to remain in the only country he has truly called home. Victor Avila, who immigrated to the United States from Mexico at the age of 8 in 1967 and has lived here ever since, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on May 7, 2025, after returning from a family trip to Japan.

What should have been a proud moment — visiting his son, an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force stationed overseas — quickly became a nightmare.

From Family Trip to Detention Cell

Avila was arrested by ICE agents at a Bay Area airport upon arrival. His wife was released and allowed to continue, but Victor was held at the airport and later transferred to a detention facility in Bakersfield. The reason? A 2009 misdemeanor conviction for DUI and drug possession — his only criminal offense in over half a century of life in the U.S.

He served a few months in jail for the offense and, since then, by all accounts has turned his life around. Victor now works at a law firm as a legal assistant, volunteers in his community, and has no further offenses on his record.

A Stark Reminder of Shifting Immigration Policy

The deportation proceedings launched against Avila highlight a concerning shift in immigration enforcement — one that targets long-term residents based on decades-old, non-violent misdemeanors.

While ICE has long had authority to initiate deportation proceedings for certain criminal convictions, Avila’s case shows how even minor and fully adjudicated past offenses can be used to strip away stability, tear families apart, and undermine decades of lawful contribution.

Community members and coworkers have rallied in support, writing letters, raising funds, and calling for a fair review of the circumstances. His family is devastated, especially given that Victor has lived here longer than most Americans have been alive.

Family, Service, and Uncertainty

Adding emotional weight to the case is the irony of the moment: Victor had just returned from visiting his son, a U.S. Air Force member serving his country abroad, when ICE decided he was no longer welcome in the country.

His daughter has shared that Victor is deeply anxious and struggling with the uncertainty of what’s next — vacillating between hope and fear as his court date approaches. He is set to appear before an immigration judge on July 15, where his fate may be decided.

Why This Matters — Especially for Immigrant Communities

Victor Avila’s story is not isolated. Immigration advocates warn that increased targeting of permanent residents over old charges—often with no further legal trouble—could devastate families and discourage immigrant communities from fully engaging in public life.

Legal experts argue that immigration law has become more punitive than rehabilitative, allowing a single misstep to overshadow decades of lawful presence, employment, and contribution.

The Haitian Pulse Stance: This Is Bigger Than One Man

Victor’s case is a mirror to our own community. How many Haitians, Dominicans, Mexicans, Salvadorans — immigrants of all backgrounds — have lived honest, productive lives only to find that the system will never fully embrace them?

We at The Haitian Pulse believe this case is not just about immigration enforcement — it’s about justice, dignity, and common sense. Deporting Victor Avila will not make America safer. It will only rip apart another family and signal to millions that redemption, time served, and positive contribution don’t count.

What This Really Means

Victor Avila is a lawful resident of the United States since 1967. His only offense happened in 2009. Since then, he has rebuilt his life, supported his community, and raised children who serve this country.

And now, he may be sent back to a country he hasn't lived in since childhood.

This is not just a legal case. It’s a moral one.

We urge readers to stay informed and raise their voices. The fight to protect families like Victor’s is a fight for all of us.