Chip Gilea of Boardman is home, freed by Immigration and Customs

BOARDMAN — After nearly 11 months behind bars, Virgil Ciprian “Chip” Gilea is home.

Gilea, a Romanian immigrant, was released from the custody of the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Friday afternoon.

“I’m so happy to be home,” Chip said. “I’m so glad it’s over.”

Chip sat on the couch in his parents’ home, between his mother and his fiance. His father and sister flanked the other sides of the couch.

“I want to thank everyone who supported me,” he said. “My family, my neighbors, my church — and people that I don’t even know.”

ICE agents arrested him Dec. 27, 2007, while he was at work at Energy Developments, Poland Township. The agency said that Chip stayed in the U.S. longer than he was authorized and must be deported.

Chip, who emigrated to the U.S. when he was 15, waiting in jail as his attorneys appealed the decision. Up until this week, those attempts were unsuccessful.

But after publicity surrounding the case and the involvement of the Romanian Embassy in Washington, D.C. and U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio’s office, ICE let him out on supervised release. He must call once a month.

Chip’s visa will be available Dec. 1.

Read more in Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com