The mayor of Albuquerque declared Friday Antonio Diaz Chacon Day.
Earlier in the week, Chacon chased a man he witnessed abducting the child. The suspect crashed and was arrested.
Chacon recovered the little girl. He says he's a Mexican citizen who has been living illegally in the U.S. for four years.
Chacon said he came here to work but can't afford a lawyer to file immigration papers.
His timing appears to be perfect.
The Obama administration Thursday announced it will only work to deport illegal immigrants who have criminal records.
Meantime, requests are pouring in from people across the country looking to help Chacon's family. Police and reporters have received calls from people requesting an address to send gift cards, money and even donations for a college savings fund for Chacon's two children.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
