A two-year-old girl, born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a U.S. citizen by birth, was deported to Honduras along with her undocumented mother and older sister after a routine ICE check-in in New Orleans. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and triggered a federal investigation.
Federal Judge Terry Doughty expressed deep concern that a U.S. citizen may have been deported without due legal process. He scheduled a hearing for May 16 to investigate the matter further, criticizing ICE for removing the child without proper procedures and communication with her father, who had filed an emergency petition to retain custody.
Although ICE claimed the mother voluntarily agreed to take her daughter with her, family lawyers argue she was not properly informed of her rights and had no real choice. Civil rights organizations, including the National Immigration Project and ACLU, have condemned the action as an illegal violation of the girl’s citizenship rights.
This case adds to a growing list of controversial deportations under the Trump administration, many involving U.S.-born children with immigrant parents. It raises serious questions about the protection of citizens’ rights during immigration enforcement.
The upcoming court hearing will be crucial in determining accountability and ensuring such incidents are prevented in the future.
