An eight-month pregnant woman named Leonela was deported to Nicaragua after being detained by federal agents in Los Angeles following a prenatal medical appointment, according to her husband's account in a report by Noticias Telemundo.
The husband recounted that her detention took place on a Wednesday morning, just days after they had celebrated her baby shower.
Leonela had attended her medical check-up and was waiting for an Uber near a busy intersection in South Los Angeles when she was approached by the agents.
For over two days, the family had no news of her whereabouts until they received a call from Leonela, made using another deported woman's phone, to inform them that she had been sent back to Nicaragua.
Her husband further stated that Leonela felt coerced into signing her deportation papers, as she explained during their phone call.
Frantic Search and ICE's Response
Activists from Unión del Barrio, along with attorneys, searched detention centers, police stations, and hospitals for two days without success in locating her.
According to the report, an agent repeatedly assured them that Leonela had never been in custody and that she had "never been detained."
Telemundo reached out to ICE for clarification on the matter but had not received any response by the time of reporting.
The report highlighted that just ten days prior, the couple had celebrated their baby shower in Los Angeles, leaving unopened gifts for their first child.
Her husband, who chose to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions, speculated that her detention might have been linked to her halting the asylum process. Leonela had a final hearing scheduled for November, which she did not attend.
He revealed that he is Mexican, lacks legal representation, and has never been to Nicaragua. Now, his wife—originally from Nicaragua—is there, nearing her due date.
Understanding Immigration and Deportation Processes
What led to Leonela's deportation?
Leonela was deported following her arrest by federal agents after a medical appointment. It is believed that the cessation of her asylum application may have contributed to the situation.
How did Leonela inform her family of her deportation?
Leonela made a call to her family using the phone of another woman who was also deported, informing them of her situation.
What actions did activists take to find Leonela?
Activists, along with lawyers, conducted a search in detention centers, police stations, and hospitals in an attempt to locate her, but were unsuccessful.