An undocumented father who was arrested by ICE agents after dropping off his daughter at school was released Wednesday evening, his attorney told BuzzFeed News



The arrest of Romulo Avelica-Gonzalez made national headlines, and prompted multiple protests, after his 13-year-old daughter tearfully recorded and posted video footage of the incident. In the video, daughter Fatima Avelica is sobbing as her father is put in a law enforcement vehicle.



“Don’t cry mama, don’t cry. We have to be strong," a woman, believed to be her mother, says in the background.

His deportation to Mexico was put on hold on Aug. 7 after the Board of Immigration Appeals granted an emergency stay while it reviewed his case.

“This is my country; I have roots and family here. And today I am grateful beyond words that the court has prevented ICE from deporting me,” Avelica-Gonzalez said in a statement after his deportation was put on hold. “Every day I wake up knowing that I must be at least half as strong as my children have been in their fight for my freedom.”



On Wednesday, a judge decided Avelica-Gonzalez could be released if he posted a $6,000 bond. He was expected to be released by 7 p.m., his attorney Alan Diamante told the Los Angeles Daily News.

Diamante confirmed to BuzzFeed News Avelica-Gonzalez was released Wednesday evening.

He is likely to remain in the US until his case is decided.

