Family of 2-year-old deported US citizen dismisses suit against Trump administration
The family of the 2-year-old U.S. citizen who was deported with her mother to Honduras last month has decided to voluntarily dismiss its lawsuit against the Trump administration, according to one of the attorneys representing the family. Attorney Gracie Willis explained that the family is taking a step back to have thorough discussions about their options, the safety and well-being of their children, and the best course of action to address the harms they have endured.
The U.S. citizen, known as “V.M.L” in court documents, was detained along with her mother and sister during a routine immigration check-in in New Orleans. Despite her father’s efforts to inform immigration officials of her citizenship and prevent her deportation, the family was sent to Honduras before the court could respond to the habeas petition and motion for a temporary restraining order.
A federal judge expressed concerns about the lack of due process in the deportation of the 2-year-old U.S. citizen, stating that she was removed “with no meaningful process.” The Department of Justice argued that it was in the child’s best interest to remain with her mother and that she was not at risk of irreparable harm as a U.S. citizen.
The ACLU, which initially filed the lawsuit, decided to drop the case amidst controversy. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that the mother, who was in the country illegally, chose to take her 2-year-old daughter with her to Honduras upon her removal. McLaughlin debunked claims that the Department of Homeland Security was deporting American children, calling the narrative false and irresponsible.
The case, which was scheduled for a hearing on May 16, has now been dismissed by the family to allow for further consideration of their options. The decision to withdraw the lawsuit reflects the family’s desire to carefully weigh their next steps and ensure the well-being of their children in the aftermath of their traumatic experiences.
