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11-year-old U.S. citizen with brain tumor deported to Mexico, medical care interrupted

Sep 18, 2025 · Rio Grande Valley, TX, Mexico

11-year-old U.S. citizen with brain tumor deported to Mexico, medical care interrupted

An 11-year-old U.S. citizen girl recovering from a rare brain tumor was deported to Mexico on February 4, 2025, when immigration authorities arrested her undocumented parents at a checkpoint while the family traveled to Houston for her emergency medical checkup. The girl had undergone surgery to remove the tumor and requires specialized care every three months. Since deportation, her health has deteriorated significantly, with worsening seizures, muscle spasms, and loss of neurological functions. She has received only one MRI scan instead of the recommended quarterly monitoring. Four of the family's five children are U.S. citizens. The family filed humanitarian parole applications through the Texas Civil Rights Project, but USCIS has not yet responded. Congressional members including Reps. Adriano Espaillat, Sylvia Garcia, and Joaquin Castro are advocating for the family's return.

Timeline

Sep 18, 2025Girl's health deteriorated with worsening seizures and muscle spasms; USCIS had not yet responded to humanitarian parole applications filed by Texas Civil Rights Project
Feb 4, 202511-year-old U.S. citizen girl with brain tumor deported to Mexico with undocumented parents after arrest at checkpoint during travel to Houston for medical appointment

Sources

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