Colombian Mother and Sons Deported Amid Asylum Claims and Child Disability Concerns
Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez, a Colombian national, and her two young sons, aged 5 and 6, were deported to Colombia following an immigration check-in in San Francisco. The family's attorney reported they were detained on a Tuesday and deported by Thursday. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated the family returned to their home on March 5. This deportation has drawn attention due to the older son's severe hearing impairment and the family's stated reasons for seeking asylum.
Deportation Details
Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez and her two sons were deported to Colombia after attending a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) check-in in San Francisco. Attorney Nikolas De Bremaeker of Centro Legal de la Raza stated that the family was detained on a Tuesday and subsequently deported, landing in Colombia by Thursday.
DHS identified Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez as an individual from Colombia, stating that ICE arrested her on March 3. According to DHS, she reportedly entered the United States without authorization in 2022 and was released under the Biden administration. DHS further asserted that she received full due process and was issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge on November 25, 2024.
Family Background and Asylum Claims
The family had resided in the Bay Area for approximately four years, according to their attorney. De Bremaeker stated that the family had fled Colombia due to an alleged abusive relationship. Relatives reportedly described Gutierrez's former partner as having ties to a violent gang and making threats against the family. The attorney noted that Gutierrez's claims of domestic abuse are typically factors considered in asylum cases.
Concerns Regarding Child's Disability and Education
The family's older son, aged 6, is severely hearing impaired. He was reportedly deported without access to his essential assistive hearing devices, with a relative stating they waited outside the detention center with the equipment. The 6-year-old attended the California School for the Deaf in Fremont.
California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond issued letters advocating for the child's return to the Bay Area, citing the child's deprivation of education and essential communication.
The California School for the Deaf issued a statement expressing concern over the situation affecting one of its students and their family, reaffirming its commitment to supporting students' right to education.
Advocacy Efforts
Superintendent Tony Thurmond called for the immediate return of the family, emphasizing the student's need for medical devices and support services. Thurmond specifically asked Senator Markwayne Mullin, whom he identified as a new Homeland Security Secretary nominee, to contact President Donald Trump to locate and return the family.
Department of Homeland Security Statements
DHS maintained that ICE "does NOT separate families." The agency stated that parents are offered a choice to be removed with their children or to place them with a designated safe person. According to DHS, Gutierrez chose to be removed with her children. DHS commented:
"Being in detention and in the country illegally is a choice."
The agency also mentioned the CBP One app, stating it provides options for individuals in the country without legal status to potentially avoid detention and "reserve the chance to come back the right legal way and live the American dream." These options, according to another report, could include a free flight and financial assistance.
Attorney's Response
Attorney Nikolas De Bremaeker stated he received conflicting information for two days regarding the family's whereabouts post-detention, with locations cited as Louisiana, Washington state, and Phoenix, prior to their deportation. He indicated that accurate information would have allowed for emergency filings. De Bremaeker confirmed he is preparing emergency appeals.