The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refuted claims suggesting that American children are being deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The DHS clarified the role of ICE in situations involving deportations of undocumented immigrants with U.S. citizen children.
The false narrative, widely circulated by the media and some Democratic politicians, implies that ICE is actively deporting American children. The DHS emphasizes that "this is false and irresponsible."
The department referenced two instances involving undocumented mothers who elected to keep their children with them during deportation proceedings. In both cases, ICE sought to ensure that families remained together by giving parents the choice of deporting with their children or leaving their children in the care of a designated safe guardian.
Jenny Carolina Lopez-Villela reportedly entered the United States illegally multiple times in September 2019, March 2021, and August 2021. She, alongside her older daughter, was deemed inadmissible during her first entry, and a final removal order was issued for both in March 2020. Upon her apprehension in April 2025, Lopez-Villela opted to return to Honduras with her younger daughter, a U.S. citizen carrying a valid passport.
Similarly, Reachel Alexas Morales-Valle entered the country unlawfully in 2013 and was given a deportation order in 2015. After being detained by the Kenner Police Department in February 2025 for traffic violations, she chose to depart with her American children, presenting valid U.S. passports.
The DHS stated, "DHS takes its responsibility to protect children seriously and will continue to work with federal law enforcement to ensure that children are safe and protected." The department highlighted that the CBP Home App, introduced under the Trump Administration, provides a means for undocumented immigrants to manage their self-deportation process.
The app is intended to enable individuals to "take full control of their departure and self-deport, with the potential ability to return the legal, right way and come back to live the American dream." It is freely available for various mobile devices.
