A mother and her two young children faced a distressing deportation after a scheduled asylum appointment in San Francisco. Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez, along with her 6-year-old deaf son and his sibling, were detained by federal immigration officials and sent back to Colombia without essential medical devices, according to their attorney.
The situation took a troubling turn when, for two days following their appointment, family attorney Nikolas De Bremaeker from Centro Legal de la Raza struggled to locate the family. He reported that immigration authorities consistently provided misleading information about their whereabouts until their abrupt deportation.
The Urgency of the Boy’s Medical Needs
De Bremaeker expressed deep concern regarding the welfare of the 6-year-old, who is currently enrolled at the California School for the Deaf in Fremont. During a press conference in Los Angeles led by state Superintendent Tony Thurmond, he condemned the deportation and emphasized the urgent need to bring the boy back to the U.S.
Thurmond highlighted the boy’s specific needs, pointing out that the child requires his hearing aids to communicate effectively and thrive in his educational environment. He called on policymakers, including Senator Markwayne Mullin, to facilitate the child’s immediate return.
While Rodriguez Gutierrez had a removal order, De Bremaeker noted that there were other forms of relief available that should have been considered before deportation. He revealed that Rodriguez Gutierrez was in compliance with her immigration requirements during a supervisory check-in when she was detained.
Allegations of Misconduct and Lack of Care
The Department of Homeland Security described Rodriguez Gutierrez as an unauthorized immigrant who entered the U.S. in 2022 during the previous administration and stated she had received due process. They also insisted that families were not separated, claiming the mother opted to be removed with her children.
However, De Bremaeker raised serious allegations about the withholding of accurate information from legal representatives, which he argued violates federal law. He expressed concern that crucial details about the family’s status were intentionally hidden, preventing timely legal intervention to halt the deportation.
Since returning to Colombia, the child has lacked access to necessary medical care and devices. A recent federal ruling reinforced that ICE must provide constitutionally adequate healthcare, raising questions about the treatment the family received during detainment.
The deportation raises awareness about the impact of such policies on children and families. Local educators have rallied support, with one teacher from the California School for the Deaf penning a heartfelt letter urging authorities to prioritize the boy’s education and well-being.
As the state pursues every possible avenue to support the family, Thurmond has reached out to California Senators and their representative, Eric Swalwell, to advocate on their behalf. The community response highlights the widespread concern over the treatment of immigrant families and the importance of ensuring that children’s rights and needs are protected.
