Judge Reveals Shocking Deportation of 2-Year-Old U.S. Citizen: No Fair Process Involved

A federal judge in Louisiana recently raised concerns over the deportation of a 2-year-old U.S. citizen and her mother to Honduras. U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty scheduled a hearing after learning that the child, referred to as VML in court documents, and her mother were already en route to Honduras shortly after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Judge Doughty questioned the process, stating, “The Government contends that this is all okay because the mother wishes that the child be deported with her. But the Court doesn’t know that.” This reflects a growing concern regarding due process in immigration cases, especially involving children.

The case emerged when the family was detained during a scheduled ICE meeting in New Orleans. The mother, originally from Honduras, had been participating in an “Intensive Supervision Appearance Program” after being released from ICE detention in 2021. VML was born in Baton Rouge in January 2023, making her a U.S. citizen. Her father, who lives in the U.S., sought custody after the detention, emphasizing his willingness to care for her.

Attorneys opposing the deportation argued that removing VML violates her constitutional rights as a citizen. They argued that the mother’s consent was not properly scrutinized. The government maintained that the mother had legal custody and had indicated she intended to take her daughter to Honduras, providing a handwritten letter as evidence.

This situation highlights the complexities of immigration law and the rights of U.S. citizen children. According to a recent report by the American Immigration Council, nearly 8 million U.S. citizen children live with at least one undocumented parent. These cases often raise tough questions about family separation and the legal interpretations of custody in deportation cases.

The public reaction has been significant. Social media is abuzz with discussions around the treatment of immigrant families and the rights of children. Many advocates are calling for reforms to ensure due process is upheld, particularly for U.S. citizens caught in immigration enforcement actions.

As the hearing approaches, the legal community watches closely to see how this case may influence future policies surrounding the deportation of families with U.S. citizen children. This incident not only raises legal questions but also underscores the emotional turmoil faced by families navigating the complexities of the immigration system.

For more information on immigration rights and ongoing cases, you can refer to resources from the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild.

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