Full Breakdown
Urgent Call for the Return of Deaf Child Deported to Colombia
3/8/2026, 4:23:40 AM
Deportation of Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez and Her Sons
On March 5, 2026, Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez and her two young sons, ages 5 and 6, were deported to Colombia after being detained during a routine check-in at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in San Francisco. The family had been living in the Bay Area for approximately four years, having fled Colombia to escape an abusive relationship. Gutierrez had filed for asylum, which was initially rejected, but she was placed under a supervision order requiring regular check-ins with ICE.
Impact on the Deaf Child's Education and Well-Being
The six-year-old boy, who is deaf and relies on a cochlear implant, was deported without access to his essential hearing devices. This situation has raised significant concerns among educators and state officials regarding the child's educational and developmental needs. California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond emphasized the importance of American Sign Language (ASL) in the child's education, stating that his continued access to specialized support is critical for his language development and overall well-being.
Thurmond and other educators from the California School for the Deaf in Fremont have called for the immediate return of the child, arguing that being sent back to Colombia without the necessary support could have detrimental consequences on his development. They highlighted that the family emigrated to the U.S. specifically for the educational opportunities unavailable in their home country.
Confusion and Lack of Communication from ICE
Immigration attorney Nikolas De Bremaeker, representing Gutierrez, expressed frustration over the lack of communication from ICE during the family's detention. He reported receiving conflicting information about the family's whereabouts, which hindered efforts to contest the deportation. De Bremaeker criticized the chaotic handling of the case, suggesting that the confusion was intentional to prevent timely legal action.
Official Responses and Criticism
In response to the incident, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Gutierrez had entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and had received a final order of removal from an immigration judge. The DHS clarified that families have the option to be deported together or designate a safe person for their children, asserting that Gutierrez chose to return with her sons.
Critics, including Thurmond and De Bremaeker, argue that the deportation of a child with disabilities under such circumstances is inhumane and raises ethical concerns about the treatment of vulnerable populations within the immigration system.
What's Next
As calls for the child's return continue, advocates are preparing emergency appeals on behalf of Gutierrez and her family. The situation highlights ongoing discussions about immigration policies and their impact on families, particularly those with children who have special needs. The urgency of providing proper care and educational support for the deaf child remains a focal point in this complex issue.
Verbatim Quotes
“Just the fact that this has happened in such a hurry, is undemocratic and unworthy of the country that we have, of our institutions,” — Nikolas De Bremaeker, Immigration Attorney
“No child should be ripped from their home community and hidden in a detention center, especially not a Deaf child who is being deprived of the ability to communicate and understand what is happening to him,” — Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent
