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Severely disabled man deported to Mexico without family knowledge, reunited after nine months

Jun 18, 2026 · Los Angeles, CA, Mexico

Severely disabled man deported to Mexico without family knowledge, reunited after nine months

Daniel, a man with severe intellectual disabilities (IQ of 47) and limited English proficiency, was arrested by ICE agents on June 17, 2025, while collecting recyclables in his east Los Angeles neighborhood. Under the conservatorship of his siblings for decades, Daniel understood Spanish but struggled with English and could not cope with loud noises or routine disruptions. Despite his inability to understand removal proceedings or consent documents presented in English, and without involvement of his conservator or judicial review, he was deported to Mexico under claimed voluntary departure. His nephew Christopher, a U.S. citizen, launched an extensive search using ICE's online tracker and contacted federal authorities, eventually working with legal aid group ImmDef to locate Daniel at Adelanto detention center. Daniel ended up in a hospital in Tijuana with no awareness his family was searching for him. After more than nine months, lawyers secured his parole and return to the U.S. A federal judge subsequently issued a temporary restraining order blocking ICE from detaining him if he returns, ruling that his deportation raised serious due process concerns.

Timeline

Jun 18, 2026Federal judge issues temporary restraining order blocking ICE from detaining Daniel if he returns, citing due process concerns
Mar 2026After nine months of legal effort, lawyers secure Daniel's parole and return to the U.S.
Jun 17, 2025Daniel arrested by ICE agents while collecting recyclables in east Los Angeles; family begins search using ICE's online tracker
Jun 2025Daniel deported to Mexico under claimed voluntary departure without conservator involvement or judicial review; family locates him at Adelanto detention center
2025Daniel ends up in hospital in Tijuana with no awareness of family search

Sources

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