Judge Questions Deportation Process of US Citizen Toddler Amid Trump Administration's Policies

A federal judge has expressed strong doubts regarding the deportation of a two-year-old US citizen, VML, alongside her mother and sister, potentially without proper legal procedures. The case underscores the heightened scrutiny of recent immigration enforcement actions under the Trump administration.

A federal judge has stated that a two-year-old US citizen may have been deported to Honduras along with her mother and 11-year-old sister without appropriate legal processes. In a recent court filing, Judge Terry Doughty voiced "strong suspicion" that VML, who was born in Louisiana, faced deportation "with no meaningful process" in the context of a surge in deportations since Donald Trump assumed office again.

According to court documents, the family was apprehended during a routine appointment at a New Orleans immigration office on April 22. The US Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the mother intended to take her children when deported. While the judge attempted to connect with the mother via phone, his efforts were hindered as government lawyers indicated she had already been released in Honduras.

Although the immigration status of VML's mother, father, and sister remains uncertain, the two-year-old is indisputably a US citizen. "It is illegal and unconstitutional to deport, detain for deportation, or recommend deportation of a US citizen," the judge stated. A hearing is slated for May 19 to further investigate the possibility that a US citizen was deported without due process.

Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, responded, asserting that the decision to take the child to Honduras originated from the parent. Meanwhile, the girl's father has sought temporary legal authority transfer to his US citizen sister-in-law for custody of the children. Nevertheless, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent reportedly refused the request, indicating that the father could retrieve her but would also face custody.

This incident mirrors another case in Florida, where a Cuban woman and her US citizen husband were detained at an immigration appointment and subsequently deported to Cuba just two days later, despite their young daughter suffering from medical issues. The situation sheds light on the increasing scrutiny of immigration policies, particularly since Trump's re-election, which has prompted numerous legal challenges due to their strict nature.

The Trump administration had previously faced a notable case where a mistakenly deported El Salvadorian national, Kilmar Ábrego García, was recognized by the Supreme Court for groundwork allowing his return, although the administration maintains he will "never" live in the US again amidst claims regarding gang affiliations that his lawyer and relatives contest.