A pregnant Guatemalan migrant who gave birth in Arizona after crossing the US border has been spared from fast-track deportation thanks to intervention by the state’s governor, her attorney, and a federal official, as reported by Andrew Hay of Reuters.
The 24-year-old woman attracted public attention when her lawyer, Luis Campos, revealed that she was facing rapid deportation after federal agents denied him access to her at a Tucson hospital. The case highlighted concerns about the treatment of mothers and infants affected by the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, leading Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs to engage with federal officials.
After her hospital discharge, US Customs and Border Protection initiated normal deportation proceedings for the woman, granting her the right to contact an attorney. She was then transferred to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations for a court date with an immigration judge while her child remained in her care.
The woman, identified as “Erika” by Campos, fled a dangerous situation in Guatemala, according to her mother who requested Campos to represent her. Having walked for two days through the desert before being apprehended near Tucson, she has the ability to claim fear of returning to Guatemala and seek asylum.
Campos expressed hope for the woman’s release soon and mentioned that Phoenix immigration lawyers had offered assistance at Governor Hobbs’ request. While the governor’s office did not immediately comment, a spokesperson confirmed their advocacy for the woman and her newborn’s well-being, denouncing inhumane immigration enforcement practices.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not provide an immediate response to inquiries. The CBP spokesman maintained that agents acted lawfully and followed procedures throughout their interaction with the woman.
