A federal judge sharply criticized the Trump administration for the deportation of a 2-year-old U.S. citizen, calling the act illegal and unconstitutional, and raising concerns over the lack of due process.
The child, identified as V.M.L. in court documents, was deported to Honduras alongside her mother, Jenny Carolina Lopez Villela, and older sister.
The incident occurred after the family attended a routine appointment with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New Orleans.
U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty said Friday there is “strong suspicion” that the government deported the child without any meaningful legal process. A hearing has been set for May 19 to address the matter.
“It is illegal and unconstitutional to deport, detain for deportation, or recommend deportation of a U.S. citizen,” Doughty stated.
Despite the girl’s father expressing his desire to care for the child, ICE proceeded with the removal after Villela—who holds legal custody—reportedly chose to take her daughter with her to Honduras.
Prosecutors argued that the child remained in her mother’s lawful custody and was not facing irreparable harm.
The ACLU condemned the move as a “shocking abuse of power,” accusing ICE of violating its own policies regarding the care of minor children.
The Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department declined to comment.
