A federal judge criticized the Trump administration for deporting a 2-year-old U.S. citizen without proper process on Friday, as the child’s father fights to bring her back to the United States.
U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty expressed concern that the girl, known as “V.M.L.” in court documents, was deported along with her mother.
“It is illegal and unconstitutional to deport, detain for deportation, or recommend deportation of a U.S. citizen,” Doughty stated.
A hearing is scheduled for May 19 to investigate the circumstances of the deportation and ensure due process was followed.
The child, V.M.L., was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a routine appointment in New Orleans, accompanied by her mother Jenny Carolina Lopez Villela and older sister.
Despite claims from V.M.L.’s father that she is a U.S. citizen and should not be deported, ICE officials were informed by Villela that she wanted to retain custody of the child and take her to Honduras.
The Trump administration argued that it is in the child’s best interest to remain with her mother, citing that she is not at risk of harm as a U.S. citizen.
The American Civil Liberties Union condemned the deportation of V.M.L. as an abuse of power and violation of ICE directives regarding minor children.
President Donald Trump’s comments about deporting violent criminals who are U.S. citizens to El Salvador raised concerns among civil rights advocates and legal scholars.
The Supreme Court has ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the return of a Maryland resident who was deported to El Salvador despite a protection order.
(Reporting by Jasper Ward; Editing by Kate Mayberry)
