2-Year-Old U.S. Citizen Deported ‘With No Meaningful Process,’ Judge Suspects - The New York Times

Key Details

A federal judge in Louisiana expressed deep concern over the Trump administration's deportation of a 2-year-old U.S. citizen to Honduras. The judge, Terry A. Doughty, questioned the lack of due process in the case, noting that the deportation occurred against the father's wishes despite the mother's consent. The child, identified only as V.M.L. in court documents, was sent to Honduras with her mother.

Judge's Concerns

Judge Doughty, a conservative Trump appointee, highlighted the illegality and unconstitutionality of deporting a U.S. citizen. He scheduled a hearing for May 16 to investigate his suspicion that the government deported the child without a meaningful process. He stated that while the government claimed the mother consented, the court lacked sufficient information to validate that claim.

Wider Context

This case adds to the ongoing legal challenges against the Trump administration's immigration policies. Several other instances of questionable deportations are mentioned, including the blocked deportation of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador and the wrongful deportation of a Maryland man to El Salvador.

Key Points

• Deportation of a 2-year-old U.S. citizen to Honduras.
• Lack of due process and violation of father's wishes.
• Judge's suspicion of improper government actions.
• Part of a larger pattern of controversial deportation practices.