DACA recipient deported despite valid status, re-detained upon return, released after legal challenge
May 12, 2026 · Rio Grande Valley, TX, Honduras

José Contreras Díaz, a 30-year-old DACA recipient from Edinburg, Texas, was arrested by ICE agents during a routine check-in appointment in January 2026 and deported to Honduras despite his valid protected status. After his attorney challenged the deportation citing federal court precedent, immigration authorities granted him parole to return to the United States. Upon arrival at Harlingen Airport on April 29, 2026, ICE agents detained him at Port Isabel Detention Center rather than releasing him as expected. He was released on May 7-8, 2026, after more than three months of separation from his family, including missing the birth of his son. He continues to face removal proceedings.
Timeline
Sources
- ms.now (archived)
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com (archived)
- Texas Tribune (archived)
- valleycentral.com
- Texas Tribune (archived)
- ms.now (archived)
- gilmermirror.com (archived)
- fwd.us (archived)
- english.elpais.com (archived)
- ms.now (archived)
- fwd.us (archived)
- Border Report
- KTSM
- dcnewsnow.com
- cenlanow.com
- straitstimes.com (archived)
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