US Citizen Children Deported to Honduras with Undocumented Mothers
Deportations include 4-year-old cancer patient amid immigration enforcement
Three children who are US citizens were deported to Honduras with their undocumented mothers last week, according to attorneys and advocacy organizations. One case involved a mother deported with her 2-year-old child, while another mother was deported with her 4-year-old, who was receiving treatment for metastatic cancer, and 7-year-old. The deportations occurred after the mothers attended routine check-in appointments with immigration officials in Louisiana as part of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program.
Advocacy groups, including the ACLU and National Immigration Project, have raised concerns about due process in these cases. According to attorneys, both mothers had previously received deportation orders in absentia after missing court proceedings. The government claims one mother requested to take her child to Honduras, citing a handwritten note, but the family's attorney disputes this characterization. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the policy on NBC's "Meet the Press," stating deportable individuals have the option to take their children with them.
KEY POINTS
- •US citizen children deported to Honduras
- •4-year-old cancer patient among deportees
- •Deportations followed routine ICE check-ins
Attorneys for the families report that the mothers were detained during routine check-ins and deported within 24 hours, with limited or no access to legal counsel. In one case, a federal judge had scheduled a hearing regarding the 2-year-old's deportation, noting it is "illegal and unconstitutional to deport, detain for deportation, or recommend deportation of a U.S. citizen." Despite this, the deportations proceeded before the scheduled hearing could take place.
Continue reading this article on the TrueGov App
Plus access audio versions, original sources, and article customization