A Palm Beach County small-business owner who spent nearly six months in federal immigration custody was released on Monday — walking out of detention and into an emotional reunion with his family.
Attorney Gary Rosen confirms that 39-year-old Miguel Victor Chaclan Velasquez, originally from Guatemala, was granted release on bond on Jan. 2. A federal immigration judge set bond at $15,000, allowing him to leave custody while his asylum case continues in court.
Chaclan Velasquez had been held at the Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach, an ICE-operated detention facility. His teenage son, Michael Chaclan Bravo, and attorney arrived there Monday to pick him up — and moments later, father and son embraced in tears outside the gate.
“It’s been really hard emotionally, physically, economically,” Chaclan Bravo told CBS12 News before the release, describing months without his father at home. “When I heard he was finally coming back, I had to start crying. It was the best birthday present I could ever ask for.”
Chaclan Bravo turned 18 the same day he learned his father had been granted bond.
Chaclan Velasquez was detained on July 11 after being stopped by Florida Highway Patrol near Jog Road and Northlake Boulevard in Palm Beach Gardens. He was later turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Federal officials have not released details explaining what led to the traffic stop or why he was taken into custody.
His family and attorney say Chaclan Velasquez has no criminal record and previously held valid work authorization. He runs a small painting and construction company in Palm Beach County, and during his detention, Chaclan Bravo has been running the business to support the family.
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The months in detention meant missed milestones — including holidays and his daughter’s Quinceañera father-daughter dance.
“I’m so happy to finally have him back,” Chaclan Bravo said. “Our family needs him so much.”
After his release, Chaclan Velasquez thanked his attorney, Rosen, and said, “I feel really good now because I can stay with my family and go back home.”
The family says Chaclan Velasquez has lived in South Florida for 22 years, owns a local business, and previously served as a worship leader at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in West Palm Beach.
Although he is now out of custody, his immigration case remains active. His attorney says the hope is for legal permanent status — and eventually, U.S. citizenship — if the asylum case is successful. In the meantime, he must comply with court requirements while the process continues.
ICE initially responded to CBS12 News, requesting additional identifying information about Chaclan Velasquez before providing further comment.
WPEC-CBS12 is a news partner of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
