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2w ago

Guatemalan Mother and U.S.-Born Infant Released from ICE Custody After Public and Political Pressure

Erika M. and her newborn daughter, born on U.S. soil, were transferred to Tennessee to await immigration court, as the Trump administration's birthright citizenship challenge looms.

From an aerial view, the U.S.-Mexico border fence near Sasabe, Ariz., on Jan. 20, 2025.
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Overview

  • Erika M., a Guatemalan migrant, gave birth to a U.S.-citizen daughter, Emily, on April 30 under Customs and Border Protection supervision after being detained near the Arizona border.
  • Initially placed in expedited removal proceedings, Erika's case was shifted to standard immigration court processes following intervention by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and public outcry.
  • Erika and her newborn were released from ICE custody on May 5 and relocated to Tennessee, where they will await their first immigration court appearance.
  • The Trump administration's executive order to end birthright citizenship, which would affect Emily's citizenship status, is under judicial review, with a Supreme Court hearing scheduled for May 15.
  • Legal and advocacy groups continue to challenge the administration's aggressive immigration policies, including the detention and deportation of U.S.-citizen children with their parents.