…the child, referred to as “V.M.L.” in court documents, was deported to Honduras alongside her mother.
A federal judge said Friday that the Trump administration appeared to have deported a 2-year-old U.S. citizen “with no meaningful process.”
U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty noted that the child, referred to as “V.M.L.” in court documents, was deported to Honduras alongside her mother, Jenny Carolina Lopez Villela. “It is illegal and unconstitutional to deport, detain for deportation, or recommend deportation of a U.S. citizen,” Doughty said, setting a hearing for May 19.
Villela and her two daughters were detained during a routine ICE appointment in New Orleans. Prosecutors argued Villela, who has custody, elected to bring V.M.L. with her to Honduras.
“It is therefore in V.M.L.’s best interest that she remain in the lawful custody of her mother,” they said, insisting V.M.L. is “not at risk of irreparable harm because she is a U.S. citizen.”
The American Civil Liberties Union called the case a “shocking … abuse of power” and criticized ICE’s handling of minor children.