Dad of US Marine arrested, deported by ICE after visiting pregnant daughter at military base

A U.S. Marine shared that his father was deported after both of his parents were taken into custody last month by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while they were at Camp Pendleton in California.

Steve Rios recounted to NBC 7 that his parents, Esteban Rios and Luisa Rodriguez, were at the base on September 28 to pick up his younger sister Ashley, who is expecting a baby, along with her husband, a fellow Marine. This was a routine visit; they had been making this trip every weekend in anticipation of their first grandchild.

However, Rios stated that this time, they were stopped at the entrance and detained by ICE officials.

His parents were after a few hours released with ankle monitors and then taken home by their son, who said they were ordered to report to the agency later that week.

During their subsequent check-in appointment, Rios noted they waited for several hours before being reapprehended.

“I just kept glancing at my parents. I was unsure if it would be the last time I would see them,” said the young Marine.

He added that his father was wearing a red shirt and a white hat, both emblazoned with the phrase “Proud dad of a US Marine,” at the time of his deportation.

“He said, ‘Yeah, this is my lucky shirt, so we’ll be okay,’” Rios recounted.

Rios indicated that he had a brief phone conversation with his father the day after the second detention, discovering that his parents were being held in the basement of the federal building that accommodates ICE and immigration court.

Eventually, they were transferred to the Otay Mesa Detention Center, according to NBC 7.

While Rios’s father was deported following his detention by ICE, it remains unclear whether his mother faced the same outcome.

Rios, who enlisted in the Marine Corps immediately after high school to honor his parents and is currently serving in the reserves following four years on active duty, emphasized that his parents had immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico three decades ago.

He mentioned that they were awaiting green cards and work visas that he had sponsored when they were detained.

“I just wanted to make them proud, you know? I’ve seen the obstacles they’ve faced,” Rios expressed. “Serving this country is the least I could do, but it doesn’t even compare to what they have done for me.”

He admitted that the situation frightened him, as it was something he had dreaded throughout his life.

Ashley, his younger sister, recalled the heart-wrenching message she received from her brother during their parents’ initial detention at the entrance of Camp Pendleton.

“My brother texted me that they had been stopped. I immediately started crying when I heard that,” she said, struggling to hold back tears.

Now expecting her first child, Ashley shared that the entire experience has become even more difficult.

“It’s just so tough because I long to hear my parents’ voices and know everything is alright,” she reflected. “I always wanted my mom to be there in the delivery room, so it’s hard not having them present.”

The siblings expressed uncertainty over what lies ahead but stated that their faith helps them remain resilient.

“They may be sent back; they may not be. Ultimately, only someone above knows what will happen next,” Rios said.

An ICE spokesperson informed NBC 7, “As part of its routine operations, ICE apprehends individuals who commit crimes and those who have violated our immigration laws.”

The statement continued, “Any individuals violating U.S. immigration law may face arrest, detention, and removal from the United States if deemed removable, regardless of their nationality.”