A judge ruled on Monday the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement violated federal law when agents arrested a 16-year-old during a mandatory check-in.

The teenager has a special immigrant juvenile status, which is a protection meant to shield children who were abused, neglected or abandoned.

What You Need To Know

A judge ruled on Monday the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement violated federal law when agents arrested a 16-year-old during a mandatory check-in

His attorney says that what happened to Joel is part of a pattern, one affecting hundreds of children across the state, some as young as 6 years old

NY1 reached out to the Department of Homeland Security, but did not hear back

“Well, I feel happy. I was a little nervous, but now I feel better than happy,” Joel said.

The 16-year-old is being identified only by his first name because he’s a minor with special immigration protection status.

“I felt a little worried. It was [a] room when they arrested me. It was a room that [had only] cement chairs, and there was nothing else. I was there for seven hours,” Joel said.

His attorney says what happened to Joel is part of a pattern, one affecting hundreds of children across the state, some as young as 6 years old.

“This administration is not following the rules, not following the law and we saw it here,” Elizabeth Gyori, a senior staff attorney for the New York Civil Liberties Union, said.

For the 16-year-old, the next steps are simple: to go home to the Bronx and explain to his family everything he’s been through over the last few weeks.

Joel also plans to talk to his mom, who’s in Ecuador. She self-deported, fearing detention herself.

“I recently called my mother. She was a little worried. But now we’re going to explain to her what happened,” Joel said.

He also has a message for the people who stood up for him.

“I would like to thank my lawyer first and her entire team, and, well, thank my whole community for always supporting me,” Joel said.

The teenager is now free, but his future will be decided in federal court.

NY1 reached out to the Department of Homeland Security, but did not hear back.