Family of 2-year-old deported US citizen dismisses suit against Trump administration

ABC News - May 10th, 2025
Open on ABC News

The family of a 2-year-old U.S. citizen, who was deported to Honduras with her mother last month, has decided to voluntarily dismiss its lawsuit against the Trump administration. The decision comes after the family endured traumatizing experiences and wishes to assess their options for the safety and well-being of their children. The family's attorney, Gracie Willis, emphasized the need for space and time to consider all available options to address the harms suffered. The child, identified as 'V.M.L,' was deported along with her mother and sister, despite her citizenship status, after being detained at a routine immigration check-in in New Orleans.

The case had drawn attention when a federal judge expressed suspicion that the deportation occurred 'with no meaningful process.' The ACLU's lawsuit was based on claims that the deportation was unjustified due to the child's citizenship. However, the Department of Justice argued that it was in the minor's best interest to remain with her mother, who lacked legal status in the U.S. Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary, stated that the narrative of DHS deporting American children is false, asserting that the mother chose to take her child to Honduras upon her removal. The case raises significant questions about immigration enforcement and the rights of U.S. citizen children in mixed-status families.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article presents a compelling and timely account of a controversial deportation case involving a U.S. citizen child. It effectively highlights the complexities and ethical considerations of immigration policies, contributing to ongoing public discourse. The story is well-structured and accessible, with clear language and logical progression. However, it could benefit from more balanced representation of perspectives, particularly from immigration officials, and greater transparency regarding legal processes and potential biases. The inclusion of direct quotes from involved parties and more detailed explanations of legal terms would enhance the article's accuracy and engagement. Overall, the story successfully raises important questions about the rights of U.S. citizen children and the responsibilities of government agencies, making it a valuable contribution to public understanding and debate.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story provides a factual account of the deportation of a 2-year-old U.S. citizen, identified as "V.M.L," alongside her undocumented mother and sister. The accuracy of the claim that the Trump administration deported the child "with no meaningful process" is supported by a federal judge's suspicion, adding credibility to the claim. However, the story also presents the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) counterclaim that the mother voluntarily took her child with her, suggesting a need for further verification of these conflicting narratives. The factual details, such as the detention at a routine immigration check-in and the father's legal attempts to prevent deportation, are consistent with the reported events, but the story lacks direct evidence or documentation to fully corroborate these claims.

6
Balance

The article presents multiple perspectives, including statements from the family's attorney, the federal judge, and the Department of Justice, which helps in providing a balanced view of the situation. However, the story leans slightly towards the family's narrative, emphasizing the alleged lack of process in the deportation. While it includes the DHS's rebuttal, the article could benefit from more detailed exploration of the government's perspective to ensure a more balanced presentation. The absence of direct quotes or input from immigration officials involved in the case limits the depth of the government's viewpoint.

8
Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the sequence of events. The language is straightforward and neutral, making the story accessible to a general audience. Key points are highlighted effectively, such as the federal judge's suspicion and the family's legal actions. However, the inclusion of more detailed explanations about the legal terms and processes mentioned could enhance comprehension for readers unfamiliar with immigration law. Overall, the article maintains clarity in presenting the main claims and counterclaims.

7
Source quality

The article cites credible sources such as a federal judge, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the Department of Justice, lending authority to the information presented. The mention of a specific attorney representing the family adds to the reliability of the narrative. However, the story lacks direct quotes from immigration officials or firsthand accounts from the family, which could enhance the credibility of the reporting. The reliance on secondary sources and statements without direct attribution to involved parties slightly undermines the overall source quality.

6
Transparency

The article provides some context about the legal proceedings and the family's decision to dismiss their lawsuit, offering a glimpse into the complexities of the case. However, it lacks a detailed explanation of the legal processes involved in deportation cases and the specific grounds for the family's legal actions. The transparency of the article could be improved by including more background information on the legal rights of U.S. citizen children in deportation cases and the typical procedures followed by immigration authorities. Additionally, the story does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases of the sources quoted.

Sources

  1. https://www.democracynow.org/2025/4/28/us_citizen_children_expelled_from_country
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k242200RegM
  3. https://abcnews.go.com/US/federal-judge-strong-suspicion-2-year-us-citizen/story?id=121182070
  4. https://abcnews.go.com
  5. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/04/30/100-days-fighting-fake-news