Full Breakdown
Senators Demand Return of Deported DACA Recipient
3/6/2026, 10:56:42 PM
Overview of the Incident
Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) have called for the return of Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez, a California woman and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient who was deported shortly after her green card interview. Estrada Juarez, who lived in the U.S. for 27 years, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) despite her active DACA status and lack of a criminal history. Her deportation has raised concerns about the treatment of DACA recipients under the current administration.
Background on DACA
DACA, established in 2012, protects certain immigrants brought to the U.S. as children from deportation and allows them to work legally. As of June 2025, there were over 515,000 DACA recipients in the U.S., with California housing the largest number at 144,000. The program has faced significant challenges, particularly during the Trump administration, which attempted to terminate it.
Details of Estrada Juarez's Deportation
Estrada Juarez was detained on February 18, 2026, at the John E. Moss Federal Building in Sacramento during her green card interview. Reports indicate that immigration agents pressured her into signing a deportation order under duress. Ivonne Rodriguez, a press director for immigration reform at FWD.us, stated that Estrada Juarez maintained her DACA status throughout the process, which should have protected her from deportation.
Official Responses and Legislative Actions
In response to Estrada Juarez's case, Padilla and Durbin have urged Congress to pass legislation that would provide permanent protections for DACA recipients. They criticized the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for its handling of DACA cases, particularly under Secretary Kristi Noem, who has faced scrutiny for conflicting data regarding the detention and deportation of DACA recipients. In a letter to Congress, Noem reported that 261 DACA recipients were arrested between January and November 2025, with 86 deported, though the accuracy of these figures has been questioned.
Criticism of DHS Practices
Critics, including Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), have expressed concerns about the transparency of DHS regarding its actions against DACA recipients. Ramirez emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “We demand the truth. Whether it is incompetence or an intentional attempt to mislead us, DHS is not being forthcoming.” The deportation of Estrada Juarez has been described as part of a broader pattern of targeting immigrants who came to the U.S. as children.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies in the data provided by DHS regarding the number of DACA recipients detained and deported. While Noem reported 261 arrests, other communications indicated different figures, leading to accusations of incompetence or misdirection. Additionally, the lack of clarity on how many of those arrested had criminal histories has fueled further debate.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I did everything I could to build a stable life and give my daughter the opportunities that I never had,” — Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez, DACA Recipient
- “DACA recipients did everything right and followed all the instructions laid out in the program,” — Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
- “I’m not asking for a special treatment,” — Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez, DACA Recipient
Conclusion
The case of Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez highlights ongoing tensions surrounding DACA and the treatment of immigrants under the current administration. As lawmakers push for legislative protections, the situation underscores the complexities and challenges faced by DACA recipients in the U.S.
