An Edmonton-born man has returned to Canadian soil following nine grueling months in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, abruptly separated from his young family.

The deportation stems from a single offense committed 22 years ago when he was a 17-year-old high school student. Despite decades of lawful living, authorities strictly enforced removal orders.

The devastated father expressed profound grief over leaving behind two American-born children, lamenting that a distant, youthful error has now permanently fractured his family.