Legal and Procedural Concerns
A federal judge expressed strong suspicion that a 2-year-old citizen, identified as V.M.L., was deported to alongside her mother without "meaningful process," raising potential constitutional and statutory violations.
Despite the child's father providing proof of her U.S. citizenship, ICE reportedly deported V.M.L. and her mother, leaving legal and family efforts to halt the deportation unaddressed due to the rapid action.
Responses and Reactions
The Department of Justice argued that deporting V.M.L. with her mother was in her best interest, citing the mother's legal custody and a letter indicating her intention to take V.M.L. to Honduras.
Critics, including the ACLU and legal representatives, argue that the deportation represents a "shocking... abuse of power," emphasizing the lack of due process and the child's constitutional rights as a U.S. citizen.