Marine’s Father Deported After Family Visit Sparks Outcry

A U.S. Marine’s father has been deported to Mexico following a family visit to his daughter at Camp Pendleton, raising questions about the legality of the action taken by immigration authorities. The incident, which occurred on September 28, 2023, has ignited outrage and confusion, particularly given that the family has pending green card applications.

Esteban Rios and his wife, Luisa Rodriguez, both long-time residents of Oceanside, California, visited their pregnant daughter, Ashley Rios, and her Marine husband for what was expected to be a routine family breakfast. As the couple approached the base gate, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained them. Their son, U.S. Marine Steve Rios, described how both parents were taken to downtown San Diego for questioning before being released with ankle monitors, with instructions to report for a follow-up check-in later that week.

When the family returned for the check-in, the situation took a distressing turn. Accompanied by Steve, Esteban wore a red shirt and a white hat emblazoned with the words ‘Proud Dad of a U.S. Marine,’ expressing his pride in his son’s service. Unfortunately, optimism was short-lived. ICE agents led both parents away, and by the following morning, Esteban had been deported to Mexico.

The Rios family has lived in the United States for over 30 years, laboring in jobs such as cleaning homes and washing cars to support their children. Both Esteban and Luisa hold work authorizations and have active green card applications sponsored by Steve. The Marine, who joined the military to honor his parents’ sacrifices, expressed the emotional toll this situation has taken on their family.

“I’ve seen the struggles they’ve gone through, so serving this country was the least I could do,” Steve said. He pointed out that neither parent has a criminal history, which has led many to question the legal basis for Esteban’s deportation.

An ICE spokesperson stated that “all aliens in violation of U.S. immigration law may be subject to arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States, regardless of nationality.” However, ICE has not clarified whether Esteban had a final removal order on record, a crucial detail that would determine the legality of the deportation.

Immigration attorneys have noted that individuals with pending applications and no previous deportation order are typically considered low-priority cases. This has prompted advocates to argue that the Rios case exemplifies a shift in enforcement priorities. Historically, close relatives of active-duty service members were often granted discretion from deportation, but recent changes have eroded these protections.

As of now, Luisa Rodriguez remains in ICE custody, reportedly at the Otay Mesa Detention Center near San Diego. The family is collaborating with immigration attorneys to contest her detention and pursue a stay of removal.

Ashley Rios, who is soon to give birth, expressed her heartbreak over her father’s absence during this pivotal moment. “It’s hard,” she shared, tears in her eyes. “I always imagined my mom in the delivery room and my dad waiting outside. Now, I don’t know if that will happen.”

The Rios family’s ordeal has garnered significant public sympathy and reinforced calls for immigration reform. For Marine Steve Rios, the personal impact of these events is profound. “My dad believed in this country. He wore that hat with pride. I just want my mom home,” he stated, reflecting the emotional weight of their situation.