Joe Giudice in ICE custody after prison release, officials say

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‘Joe’ Giudice is released from prison, but is now in ICE custody

After serving a 41-month sentence for mail, wire and bankruptcy fraud, former ‘Real Housewives of New Jersey’ star Giuseppe ‘Joe’ Giudice has been transferred to U.S. immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) custody.

Joe Giudice has been transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after he was released from prison.

In a statement to Fox News on Thursday, ICE officials confirmed that the agency has custody of the "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star after he finished serving his 41-month sentence for mail, wire and bankruptcy fraud at FCI Allenwood in Pennsylvania.

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James Leonard Jr., an attorney for Giudice's wife Teresa told Fox News Thursday, "His lawyers and his family are hopeful that justice will prevail and Mr. Guidice will return home to his wife and four daughters who love him and miss him.”

ICE officials told Fox News on Wednesday that "for operational security, ICE does not discuss specific transfer arrangements."

"As standard practice, ICE, through its Criminal Alien Program (CAP) works with the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to identify foreign-born nationals who are amenable to removal," the statement continued. "These aliens are placed in removal proceedings while serving their criminal sentences in order to reduce ICE detention costs and expedite removals once BOP transfers are completed."

Giudice will remain at the immigration detention center pending immigration proceedings.

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In October, a judge ordered Giudice to return to his native Italy at the end of his prison term. He filed an appeal in November, but a decision has not been made yet.

Giudice's wife, Teresa — who served an 11-month sentence herself for the same crimes — previously opened up about her husband's deportation ruling, stating that officials are trying to “make an example” out of Joe.

Teresa Giudice opened up about her husband Joe Giudice's deportation drama and how her family is dealing with the news. (AP)

“He’s a strong guy and he’s just — again, we’re just doing the best we can,” Teresa told the news outlet in November. “You just got to just deal with it, you know?”

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“They did make an example out of us,” Teresa added about the court ruling.

“They know we’re going to fight it. They know mommy is doing everything she can,” she said, referring to the couple’s four daughters. “They know I’m doing everything I can. So that’s it. That’s all I can do.”

A rep for Giudice did not respond to Fox News' request for comment.

Fox News' Mariah Haas, Julius Young and The Associated Press contributed to this report.