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DACA recipient deported at green card interview, federal judge orders return and reinstatement

May 22, 2026 · Sacramento, CA, Mexico

DACA recipient deported at green card interview, federal judge orders return and reinstatement

Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez, a 42-year-old DACA recipient who had lived in the United States for 27 years after arriving in 1998 at age 15, was arrested and deported to Mexico on February 18, 2025, during a green card interview at a USCIS office in Sacramento, California. Immigration agents cited a 1998 expedited removal order from her initial border crossing, despite her valid DACA status, lack of criminal history, and previous federal approvals to remain in the country. She was removed within 24 hours. Following a lawsuit by her attorneys, U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins issued a temporary restraining order on March 23, 2025, ruling the deportation a "flagrant violation" of her DACA protections and due process rights. Estrada Juarez was granted humanitarian parole and reentered the United States on March 30, 2025, at the San Ysidro border crossing, where she was reunited with her daughter.

Timeline

Mar 30, 2025Estrada Juarez granted humanitarian parole and reentered United States at San Ysidro border crossing; reunited with daughter
Mar 23, 2025U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins issued temporary restraining order ruling deportation a "flagrant violation" of DACA protections and due process rights
Feb 18, 2025Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez arrested and deported to Mexico during green card interview at USCIS office in Sacramento; immigration agents cited 1998 expedited removal order from initial border crossing

Sources

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