Mr Vedam repeatedly appealed the murder conviction and a few years ago new evidence in the case surfaced which exonerated.
Earlier this month, Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna said he would not pursue a new trial against Mr Vedam.
But Mr Vedam’s family knew there was one hurdle left before he was free: he still had a 1988 deportation order, based on his convictions for murder and a drug offence.
The family expected they would have to file a motion to have his immigration case reopened, Ms Vedam said.
The facts of the case are different now, she stressed.
But when they arrested him, ICE cited the immigration order as their reasoning for quickly detaining him in a different Pennsylvania facility.
While he was exonerated for the murder charge, his drug conviction still stands, they have said. The immigration agency said it acted on a lawfully issued order.
ICE did not respond to the BBC’s request for comment, but told other US outlets that Mr Vedam will remain in custody pending his deportation.
Mr Vedam’s family has said his decades of good behaviour, completion of three degrees and community service while behind bars should be considered when the immigration court examines his case.
“What was deeply disappointing was that we didn’t even have a moment to hold him in our arms,” Ms Vedam said. “He was held wrongly and one would think that he conducted himself with such honour and purpose and integrity that that should mean something.”