METAIRIE, La. — A Metairie father has refused to leave his home since being chased by , according to his family, who say he has legal status and was wrongly targeted.

Leslie Padilla said her husband, Darwing Padilla, ran into their home and onto a second-floor balcony Wednesday morning after noticing unmarked vehicles following him as he prepared to take their daughter to school.

“We feel safer with him inside,” Padilla said.

She said her husband has not stepped outside since the incident.

Darwing Padilla was born in Honduras but has lived in the United States for 19 years, according to his wife. He is awaiting a green card and has a valid work permit.

Padilla said the couple was not concerned when her husband left the house that morning because of his legal status. However, she said

See Full Page