Border officials deported a 10-year-old American girl from Texas to Mexico while she received critical brain cancer treatment. She is an American citizen, but they also removed her parents and four siblings from the country.
The family had traveled from their home in the Rio Grande Valley to Houston for an emergency medical appointment. They had crossed the immigration checkpoint many times before without issues. Each time, they showed letters from doctors and lawyers to prove the importance of their trip.
Parents Arrested Despite Urgent Medical Needs
On February 4, border officials arrested the parents for not having legal immigration papers. The mother tried to explain their situation, but officers refused to listen. They did not care that the American girl and her family were traveling for life-saving medical care. The girl was in the middle of her cancer treatment, but that did not stop the deportation. Now, the family struggles to find proper healthcare in Mexico.
Family Facing Health and Safety Challenges in Mexico
Since being deported, the family has had trouble getting medical care. Not only does their daughter need continued treatment, but their 15-year-old son has a serious heart condition called Long QT syndrome. This condition causes irregular heartbeats and can be deadly. The mother told NBC News, โThe authorities have my childrenโs lives in their hands.โ They are in a dangerous part of Mexico, making it difficult to get help. They also fear for their safety and cannot even send their children to school.
Girl Still Suffers from Cancer Complications
Doctors diagnosed the American girl with brain cancer last year. She had surgery to remove a tumor, but her recovery is not complete. The girl still has swelling in her brain, affecting her ability to speak and move. She also faces the risk of seizures. Her mother said, โItโs a very difficult thing. I donโt wish anyone to go through this situation.โ The girl needs continuous medical care, but being in Mexico has made it nearly impossible to get the treatment she needs.
Family Detained Before Being Dropped Off in Mexico
After the arrest, officials brought the family to a detention center. The sick 10-year-old American girl lay on a cold floor. A few hours later, officials dropped them off on the Mexico side of a Texas bridge. The family stayed in a shelter before moving into a small house. However, they live in fear because kidnappers often target American citizens in the area. Their safety remains at constant risk, making their struggles even worse.
Teenage Sonโs Heart Condition Left Untreated
Their teenage son has Long QT syndrome, a serious heart condition that affects one in 2,000 Americans. Many people do not even know they have it. If untreated, it can cause dangerously fast heartbeats, which may lead to sudden cardiac death. Without access to proper medical care, the boy is in serious danger. This adds to the familyโs growing list of challenges after being deported.
Family Forced to Leave Their Oldest Son Behind in Texas
The deportation also tore the family apart. Their 17-year-old son had to stay behind in Texas. Now, he is alone, separated from his parents and siblings. The family had no choice but to leave him behind while struggling to survive in a foreign country.
Parents Have No Criminal Record but Were Still Deported
Former President Donald Trump had stated that deportation efforts would focus on criminals. However, the American girlโs parents had no criminal record. They were simply trying to get medical care for their sick children. Despite this, immigration officers removed them from the country without considering the life-threatening consequences.
Advocacy Group Calls for Action to Help the Family
The Texas Civil Rights Project, an advocacy group, is now fighting for the family. Rochelle Garza, the president of the organization, called their situation a โtragedy.โ She explained that this is not an isolated case. Many families are facing similar problems due to strict immigration policies. The group is asking the government to allow the family to return and correct the harm that has been done.
Three of the Girlโs Siblings Are American Citizens
Three of the American girlโs siblings were born in the United States. They are also American citizens, just like their sister. Despite this, the entire family was deported, showing the harsh reality of immigration policies. The familyโs struggle continues as they fight for the right to return and receive the medical care they desperately need.
