Joe Giudice is a free man, but unfortunately he won’t be heading back home to New Jersey.

According to People magazine, the reality star was released from ICE custody last week before flying to Italy to continue the fight to appeal his deportation order.

Joe’s daughters have been sharing recent photos of him, and it’s quite heartbreaking to say the least.

“Teresa is great spirits. She’s very happy that Joe’s out of ICE and grateful that her girls can FaceTime him to see him and talk to him so easily now,” a source told the outlet. “The kids have missed their father so much and now that he’s free, it feels like a weight has been lifted off them. They’re ready to turn the page and start this new chapter.”

The source added, “Joe’s mood has changed too. He’s much happier than he’s been the past few months. But know this — no one wants this as their new normal. Teresa, the girls, and Joe all want Joe home in Jersey. They’re praying he wins his appeal to come back.”

Joe’s wife, Teresa, and their daughters are “planning a visit to see him in Italy soon,” the source said to People. “Reuniting as a family is going to be a special moment.”

What a year it’s been for the Giudice family. We hope things can mend as easy as possible.