A Carnegie resident and new father, who has been in federal immigration custody since January, was granted a $15,000 bond in immigration court Wednesday.

Immigration Court Judge Tamar Wilson ruled that Luis Gilberto Loja Mayancela, a 24-year-old Ecuadorian native, is not a flight risk and could return home to his family while litigation over his deportation order continues.

Despite the ruling after a virtual hearing, the federal government immediately appealed the decision, setting up what Mayancela’s immigration attorney expects to be a long and grueling process.

Mayancela was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Jan. 15 while on his way to work, despite having protective status and valid work authorization.

He will remain at Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Clearfield County during the legal battle, as family and friends have supported his wife, Jessica, and their 3-month-old son.

Ian James, who worked with Mayancela and is acting as the family’s sponsor, said he believes policies outlined by the Department of Homeland Security are designed to “break them down mentally, psychologically” in hopes they will sign voluntary departure papers.

During the hearing, attorney Joseph Murphy said he asked federal officials whether there was a way to reach an agreement — such as a higher bond or electronic monitoring — that would allow Mayancela to return home while his case proceeds.

“I said, ‘Your honor, perhaps you could inquire with my colleague if there’s anything we could give them that would calm them down,’” Murphy said.

“This is a kid — he’s been in jail for a long time,” he said.

The request was denied.

Mayancela fled Ecuador at 17 and entered the United States in February 2020. He was approved for Special Immigrant Juvenile status, or SIJ, in September 2022.

SIJ is a protective designation for immigrants under 21 who have been abused, abandoned or neglected by a parent and require juvenile court protection.

Mayancela had lived in the United States for more than three years under SIJ status before his arrest. He was detained alongside co-workers from a roofing company after they stopped to pick up supplies on their way to work.

At the time of his arrest, Mayancela also had deferred action, a U.S. immigration policy that allows officials to postpone the deportation of certain noncitizens for a temporary period. He has no prior criminal charges aside from a minor traffic violation.

Murphy said during the hearing there was no translator available to provide thorough translations of the arguments made or the judge’s decision.

Because of the lack of translation, Mayancela has needed to call James and Murphy to hear retroactively what had been decided about his future in the U.S.

“I’m literally looking at my phone waiting for him to call. Any minute, he’ll literally call me and say ‘What happened?’” James said.

Because the government appealed, the case will be referred to an appellate court, Murphy said, though there is no standard timeline for when a hearing will be scheduled.