US citizen child fighting cancer deported amid policy backlash

A ten-year-old girl, a US citizen fighting brain cancer, was deported to Mexico with her parents, who did not have immigration documents. The family was detained on 4th February in Texas while attempting to reach Houston for an urgent medical appointment.

The family, who resided in Rio Grande City, regularly travelled to Houston for their daughter's treatment. Previously, they managed to pass through checkpoints with letters from doctors. However, this time the parents were detained because they didn't have valid immigration documents.

The girl underwent surgery to remove a brain tumour, but she still struggles with swelling affecting her speech and movements. Before deportation, she was under constant medical care and participated in rehabilitation. Now, in Mexico, she lacks access to necessary medical care.

Rochelle Garza from the Texas Civil Rights Project emphasises that this family's situation is not an isolated case. The organisation is appealing to the government to allow the family to return to the US and to repair the damages done.

After deportation, the family found shelter in Mexico but fears for their safety. The children are not attending school, and the parents are worried about their health. Besides the sick daughter, their 15-year-old son suffers from long QT syndrome, which also requires specialised care.

The family came to the US in 2013 hoping for a better life. Now, after deportation, their situation is dire. Human rights organisations are appealing for help and a change in immigration policy to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

President of the United States Donald Trump, during his first month in office, deported 37,660 people, according to data from the US Department of Homeland Security. This number is lower than the average monthly deportations during the presidency of Joe Biden.