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SIJS recipient deported to Honduras despite attorneys, federal judge orders return

Mar 18, 2026 · Raleigh, NC, Honduras

SIJS recipient deported to Honduras despite attorneys, federal judge orders return

Jose Martinez-Andino, a 20-year-old Honduran who entered the U.S. as an unaccompanied minor in 2020 and obtained Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, was apprehended by immigration officers on March 18, 2026, while traveling in Montana. He was held in six detention centers over 10 days without access to his two retained attorneys, despite repeatedly requesting counsel and his attorneys' attempts to locate him. Within 24 hours of detention, Martinez-Andino signed a voluntary departure agreement that he says was never properly explained and signed under coercion. He was deported to Honduras on April 10, separating him from his 3-year-old U.S. citizen daughter and his job as a mechanic in Raleigh, North Carolina. Federal Judge Beryl Howell found he was likely denied due process and ordered the Trump administration to facilitate his return to the United States.

Timeline

Apr 10, 2026Deported to Honduras
Mar 19, 2026Signed voluntary departure agreement within 24 hours of detention without adequate legal counsel explanation
Mar 18, 2026Jose Martinez-Andino apprehended by immigration officers while traveling in Montana
Mar 18, 2026Detained without access to retained attorneys; transported through six detention centers over 10 days
UnknownFederal Judge Beryl Howell ordered Trump administration to facilitate Martinez-Andino's return, finding likely denial of due process and coercion

Sources

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