A critically ill 2-month-old baby boy was forcibly deported to Mexico mere hours after his discharge from a Texas hospital where he had been receiving treatment for severe bronchitis, according to a U.S. official. The infant, Juan Nicolás, along with his parents and 16-month-old sister, were removed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from the Dilley, Texas family detention center despite grave concerns about his fragile medical condition.
Congressman Condemns "Heinous" Deportation
Representative Joaquin Castro, a Democratic congressman from Texas, issued a scathing statement Tuesday night condemning what he called a "heinous" and "monstrous" action by immigration authorities. "To unnecessarily deport a sick baby and his entire family is heinous," Castro declared. "My staff and I are in contact with Juan's family. We are laser-focused on tracking them down, holding ICE accountable for this monstrous action, demanding specific details on their whereabouts and wellbeing, and ensuring their safety."
Castro revealed that the family was deported with only $190 to their name, citing information from their legal representative. The congressman had been actively advocating for the family's release from detention, warning that the facility lacked adequate medical capacity to properly treat the infant's respiratory issues.
Medical Concerns Ignored
Medical professionals had documented concerning symptoms including breathing difficulties, persistent vomiting, and at one point, the baby becoming unresponsive. "They are on notice that he has been sick, that they don't have the medical capacity to treat him properly and that his life, if this continues, could be in danger," Castro emphasized on Monday, just before news broke of the child's brief hospitalization. "His life is in danger for a baby that young facing respiratory issues, and vomiting like that and sick."
Family's Current Situation
Reporter Lidia Terrazas traveled to Mexico to locate the family and reported meeting with them on Tuesday. In a video message shared ahead of her meeting, Terrazas confirmed the family was staying in a hotel and their immediate priority was securing medical care for both the baby and his mother, who continues to recover from childbirth.
"Let's not forget the mom," Terrazas wrote on Instagram. "She has been under a lot of stress, she is in postpartum. Don't forget this mom and her wellbeing also." A photograph posted on her social media showed Juan sitting on her lap during their meeting.
Broader Concerns About Detention Facility
The Dilley facility has faced mounting criticism not only for Juan's case but for broader allegations of inhumane conditions, severe overcrowding, a recent measles outbreak, and the controversial detention of other vulnerable individuals including 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father last month. Castro has repeatedly called for the center's closure, citing growing concerns about detainees' access to adequate medical care.
Neither Castro, Terrazas, nor Homeland Security officials responded to media inquiries on Wednesday regarding Juan's current medical condition and precise whereabouts. The case has intensified scrutiny of immigration enforcement practices involving medically vulnerable individuals and families with young children.
