Hector's Story
Learn about Hector’s Story
CBFNC Pastor and Missions Council Member, Hector Villanueva, recently faced deportation. A legal resident who has lived in the U.S. since the age of three, Hector was arrested by the sheriff’s department at his house in front of his wife and children, who are American citizens. Hector had applied for citizenship, and a background check revealed a prior record. Authorities found that when he was homeless in California, he had tried to cash a check that wasn't his.
He pled guilty and served time, but, unfortunately, any non-citizen who commits a felony can face deportation regardless if they have paid for their offense by serving time. Hector found God in prison, became a pastor, began ministering and planting churches, and has had a clean record since his release fifteen years ago.
Thirty-three people packed the Charlotte Immigration Court on September 2, 2011, to attend Hector Villanueva's deportation hearing. Hector testified passionately before the judge about transforming his life while in prison, and later becoming ordained into ministry. Hector stated that he was the father of four biological children and two adopted children, one of which has a disability and needs full-time parental assistance. He shared news about his church, Iglesia Bautista la Roca in Siler City, and his ministry in the community.
While five people were lined up to testify to Hector's good character, including CBFNC Missions Coordinator Linda Jones, the judge said there was no need for their statements and noted the crowd of friends gathered in Hector's support. He ceased proceedings at the end of Hector's testimony, called in Hector's wife Martha and their six children, and told them that their father would be staying in the United States.
Hector and his family were elated to have a resolution and know for certain that their family will not be forced apart. Those present gave the judge a round of applause and excitedly gathered to hug or shake Hector's hand. After the proceedings, we gathered to pray and give thanks for this blessed day. Hector's cancellation of removal will allow him to stay indefinitely in the U.S. as a legal resident, but current immigration law dictates he can never be a citizen because of the prior felony. This demonstrates the brokenness of our current system, which immigrants in our CBFNC Hispanic Network of Churches understand all to well.
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina worked hard to get ministers and laity to stand in support with Hector, calling local ministers and putting announcements in all of our communication channels. We want to thank those who attended in support of Hector or wrote character reference letters, as well as those who followed his story and prayed for Hector, his family, and his congregation. Hector may be safe, but our work is not finished. We need to learn more about the problems our Hispanic churches are facing and work with those who our government considers to be “the least of these” who we see as the face of Christ.