Previously detained immigrant arrested for domestic incident

<p>The Hempstead immigrant who became the focus of a national deportation debate after he was detained by ICE while delivering pizza has been arrested in connection to an alleged domestic incident.</p>

News 12 Staff

Oct 22, 2018, 5:02 PM

Updated 2,005 days ago

Share:

The Hempstead immigrant who became the focus of a national deportation debate after he was detained by ICE while delivering pizza has been arrested in connection to an alleged domestic incident.
Pablo Villavicencio, 35, was first taken into custody by immigration officials back in June after making a pizza delivery to a military base in Brooklyn. The government had said that a routine check showed he was in the country illegally, and he was detained for more than 50 days.
Activists rallied around his case, and a federal judge ultimately ordered he be released and allowed to remain in the country while seeking legal status.
Now the married father of two is facing a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief stemming from a domestic incident last Thursday at his Hempstead home. According to court papers, Villavicencio was having an argument with his wife when he allegedly pushed and slapped her.
Bruce Barket, Villavicencio's defense attorney, says, "If you look at her statement, that is not what she says happened." He would not elaborate.
The complaint also says that when the woman indicated she was going to call the police, "the defendant then removed the complainant's cellular phone from the kitchen counter, preventing her from contacting the police."
Barket suggests the case is linked to Villavicencio's immigration troubles.
"But for our client's notoriety this case would be, I think fair to say, dismissed in short order," he says.
Villavicencio was arraigned on Saturday and bail was set, but because there is an immigration hold on him he's being held at the Nassau County jail until his court date on Tuesday.


More from News 12
0:51
Mayor: Some Marlboro schools receive bomb threat 2nd day in a row, schools on 2-hour delay

Mayor: Some Marlboro schools receive bomb threat 2nd day in a row, schools on 2-hour delay

1:45
Rain showers return tonight in New Jersey; temps warm up for the weekend

Rain showers return tonight in New Jersey; temps warm up for the weekend

2:07
EPA: Elevated levels of lead found at multiple East Trenton homes, parks

EPA: Elevated levels of lead found at multiple East Trenton homes, parks

Boil water advisory issued for parts of Monmouth County

Boil water advisory issued for parts of Monmouth County

2:32
Main Street New Jersey: Some great food spots to try in South River

Main Street New Jersey: Some great food spots to try in South River

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Is your mom awesome? New Jersey tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? New Jersey tell us why your Mom Rocks!

2:43
‘Now he literally has a part of me.’ Brother donates part of his liver to twin

‘Now he literally has a part of me.’ Brother donates part of his liver to twin

0:27
Police: Husband and wife stole jewelry from Bridgewater retirement facility

Police: Husband and wife stole jewelry from Bridgewater retirement facility

2:23
Rutgers police: Person charged for shooting people with Orbeez gun

Rutgers police: Person charged for shooting people with Orbeez gun

3:40
Police: Marlboro Township Public Schools, Trenton Board of Ed receive 'unfounded' bomb threats

Police: Marlboro Township Public Schools, Trenton Board of Ed receive 'unfounded' bomb threats

0:29
GoFundMe pages created for Paterson families displaced by house fires

GoFundMe pages created for Paterson families displaced by house fires

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

0:16
Police: Man tried to stab UPS driver who refused to give him a ride

Police: Man tried to stab UPS driver who refused to give him a ride

0:41
Jersey Proud: Holi celebration held at Cooper University Hospital in Camden

Jersey Proud: Holi celebration held at Cooper University Hospital in Camden

0:29
Police: North Carolina man killed in crash on Garden State Parkway in Irvington

Police: North Carolina man killed in crash on Garden State Parkway in Irvington

House of Independents announces initial summer lineup following temporary closure due to flooding damage

House of Independents announces initial summer lineup following temporary closure due to flooding damage

Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald says Travis Green is part of his search for a new coach

Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald says Travis Green is part of his search for a new coach

Atlantic City mayor: I'm committed to my family and city while dealing with daughter abuse charges

Atlantic City mayor: I'm committed to my family and city while dealing with daughter abuse charges

7-Eleven, Wawa or QuickCheck? New poll reveals New Jersey’s favorite convenience store

7-Eleven, Wawa or QuickCheck? New poll reveals New Jersey’s favorite convenience store