Saúl Zermeño, a 45-year-old with deferred action status, was deported to Mexico on October 3 after attending a routine ICE check-in appointment, after 36 years in the U.S. He had been the sole caregiver for his 15-year-old U.S. citizen son Damian, a 10th grader with autism, ADHD, neurofibromatosis Type 1, epilepsy, and one kidney, since Damian's mother chose not to be involved in his life. Damian learned of his father's deportation from an aunt when he returned home from school and said he initially didn't believe it, retreating to his room and losing his appetite. Since then, Damian, who doesn't drive and has limited cooking skills, has had to navigate daily life largely on his own, experiencing emotional distress, depression, and academic decline.