Approaching holidays put Gilea family togetherness in limbo

Photo

Chip Gilea

The Gilea Deportation

Video

BOARDMAN — Virgil and Minerva Gilea came to the United States from Romania on Thanksgiving in 1990, but two weeks before the 18th anniversary of their arrival, they’re waiting to learn where their son will spend the holidays.

Virgil Ciprian “Chip” Gilea, 30, was arrested Dec. 27, 2007, by agents from the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement while at work at Energy Development Inc., Poland Township.

“He’s stressful,” Minerva said. “He doesn’t know what’s going on.”

The problem stemmed from a missed filing deadline by an attorney formerly retained by the family. Chip, a Boardman High School and Youngstown State University graduate, was ordered to leave the country, but both he and his family contend he was unaware of the order.

Minerva said she has received calls of support from many in the community who want to help.

She asked that people write to the chief counsel’s office, asking that her son’s case be reopened. The address is:

Chief Counsel’s Office

Immigration and Customs Enforcement

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Federal Building

333 Mt. Elliott Street, 2nd Floor

Detroit, Michigan, 48207

Read more in Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com