A federal judge in Louisiana raised concerns after a 2-year-old American citizen was deported with her undocumented mother. Judge Terry Doughty, a Trump appointee, criticized the Department of Justice (DOJ) lawyers for their defense of the removal process.
The DOJ argued that the child traveled with her mother voluntarily as a family unit to Honduras.
However, the judge said this action lacked “meaningful process” and legal protection for the child.
Mother Requested Both Daughters Be Deported
The mother had submitted a written request asking that both her daughters accompany her to Honduras.
The toddler, referred to as “VML” in court documents, was one of them.
Despite this request, Judge Doughty emphasized that parental consent does not replace due process under U.S. law.
Judge Questions Government’s Handling
“The Government claims this is acceptable because the mother agreed,” Doughty wrote, citing NBC News.
“But the Court remains unconvinced.”
This situation has sparked questions: Should the government separate families or ensure each child’s rights are individually protected?
Timeline of Events Leading to Deportation
The mother had been under supervision through an “Intensive Supervision Appearance Program” after her 2021 release from ICE custody. She was later re-detained before being removed from the U.S.
Lawyers for the family argued that deporting a U.S. citizen child is unlawful, regardless of the mother’s immigration status.
DOJ Cites Mother’s Written Consent
The Trump-era DOJ presented a Spanish letter from the mother stating, “I will take my daughter with me to Honduras.”
Authorities did not forcibly deport the 2-year-old. Instead, they funded her travel costs at her mother’s request. As a U.S. citizen, the child retains the right to return to America in the future.
Court Schedules Hearing on the Deportation
Judge Doughty scheduled a hearing for May 16 to investigate the situation further.
The hearing aims to confirm whether the government wrongfully deported a U.S. citizen.
Court documents revealed that immigration authorities attempted to contact the mother mid-flight.
By the time officials called back, she and her daughters had already landed in Honduras.
ICE Detains Family at Scheduled Meeting
Earlier that week, ICE officers arrested the mother and her daughters during a scheduled check-in in New Orleans.
Lawyers opposing the deportation say this action lacked transparency and proper legal oversight.
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