Quaid To Be Freed But Still Faces Deportation

Actor Randy Quaid is to be released by Canadian authorities, but could still be deported to the US next week - where he faces arrest.

Quaid, a Texas native, fled to Canada in 2010 after he and his wife were arrested in California on suspicion of burglary and entering a building without consent, causing $5,000 of damage.

Quaid said the building was their own home, after a failed attempt to sell it. There is still an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

The 65-year-old has also said he was being hunted by "Hollywood star whackers" who he believes killed actors Heath Ledger and David Carradine.

He application for permanent residency in Canada was refused in 2012.

The actor was arrested on Tuesday during a scheduled 'check in' appointment with Canadian border authorities who feared he would not comply with an order to leave the country next week.

But the Immigration and Refugee Board in Montreal rejected those worries on Thursday and said Quaid should be set free.

The Independence Day star appeared at the hearing sporting a large beard and long grey hair.

Quaid's wife, Evi, has uploaded a series of videos to YouTube where her husband has made claims about business associates in the US trying to harm him.

She has also tweeted about her anger that he was arrested and criticised the Canadian government.

Quaid is the older brother of actor Dennis Quaid and is also known for movies such as The Last Picture Show and The Last Detail, for which he received an Oscar nomination.

He told the AP news agency earlier this week that he wanted to sort out his legal problems in California and "move on with my life".