A New Fairfield father was deported Wednesday back to Guatemala after federal immigration authorities denied his request to stay in the United States.

Joel Colindres illegally came to the U.S. from Guatemala in 2004 and has been living and working here since. He was granted an emergency stay of deportation last summer, but now federal immigration authorities denied his request.

Family attorney Erin O'Neil-Baker confirmed that Colindres boarded a plane Wednesday to Guatemala. O'Neil-Baker said Colindres has always cooperated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

MORE: New Fairfield father, husband faces deportation to Guatemala

Colindres' wife, Samantha, has been taking to social media, saying the U.S. betrayed their American values and that she'll be taking the kids to Guatemala to be with their father.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal showed his support by releasing a statement saying, "I will not stop fighting to keep the Colindres family together. I have urged ICE to stay this cruel and callous deportation while Joel appeals the denial of his application."

O'Neil-Baker says they're already working to bring Colindres back. She says he's eligible for permanent residency because he is married to a United States citizen.