US Citizen Toddler Deported to Honduras: Attorney Explains Case and Legal Issues

Deportation of a US Citizen Toddler

• 👶 A 2-year-old US citizen, identified as VML, born in New Orleans, was deported to Honduras with her mother, a Honduran national.
• 🏛️ A federal judge stated the deportation occurred without meaningful process, despite the child's US citizenship.
• 👨‍👧 The father, a US citizen, has a valid Louisiana family court order granting him custody, which was designated to a third party.
• 📝 ICE reportedly deported the mother and child after receiving a handwritten note from the mother stating she intended to take the child with her.

Father's Efforts to Prevent Deportation

• 📞 The father and his attorney attempted to halt the deportation by contacting government lawyers and going to court.
• ✈️ Despite their efforts, the mother and child were already en route to Honduras when the father's attorney was contacted.
• 🗣️ The father claims he spoke to his daughter via phone while ICE agents were present, and she indicated she did not want to go with her mother.

Legal Arguments and Citizenship Rights

• ⚖️ The central issue is whether the mother's custody claim and the note override the child's US citizenship and the father's custody wishes.
• 🏛️ The attorney criticizes the Trump Justice Department's approach, suggesting it bypasses the judicial branch by asserting positions as facts without allowing for judicial determination.
• 📜 The Supreme Court has recently affirmed the necessity of hearings in such cases.
• 🇺🇸 Every US citizen has a constitutional right to never be deported, regardless of their parents' status.

Likelihood of Return and Legal Recourse

• 🌍 While difficult, it is possible for the toddler to return to the US.
• 🤝 The mother can petition U.S. immigration (INS) to bring her back, and immigration must allow the transfer of a US citizen.

Wisconsin Judge's Arrest

• ⚖️ A separate case involves a Wisconsin judge accused of obstructing immigration enforcement by allegedly hiding an undocumented defendant from ICE.
• ❓ This case is described as a closer call, with arguments for both sides.
• 🚫 The attorney notes that physically harboring or hiding someone from law enforcement is illegal, and the facts of the case will be crucial in determining the outcome.