The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has clarified misleading reports regarding the alleged deportation of an "Allentown grandfather" by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Reports claimed that ICE secretly deported a man named Luis Leon to Guatemala and that he died in ICE custody. The DHS has denied these claims.
The Morning Call, a newspaper based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, published a headline on July 20, 2025, without consulting DHS for facts related to the allegations against law enforcement. The family of the individual reportedly told journalists that federal officers handcuffed him at a green card appointment in Philadelphia. However, DHS states there is no record of such an appointment.
ICE also confirmed that it has not deported Luis Leon—a Chilean national—to Guatemala. According to ICE records, Leon entered the United States in 2015 from Chile under the visa waiver program. Furthermore, the Guatemalan Institute of Migration, which works with ICE on deportations to Guatemala, reported they have not received anyone matching Leon's description.
The family also claimed they were contacted by someone posing as an immigration lawyer who offered assistance but did not explain how they knew about the case. This person allegedly informed them that Leon died in ICE custody.
Assistant Secretary McLaughlin stated: “ICE never arrested or deported Luis Leon to Guatemala. Nor does ICE ‘disappear’ people—this is a categorical lie being peddled to demonize ICE agents who are already facing an 830% increase in assaults against them. This was a hoax peddled by the media who rushed to press without pausing to corroborate the facts with DHS. This was journalistic malpractice.”
