Homeland Security Secretary addressed criticism regarding the deportation of Victor Martinez Nieto and his son, Liam Tadeo. The deportation followed their detainment by federal immigration authorities in Austin, Texas.
Martinez Nieto and his five-year-old son were detained earlier this month on their way to a soccer match. James Talarico, a Texas Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, criticized the action. He highlighted the case as part of his criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. He argued that Liam, who was supposed to start kindergarten, should have been in school instead of being deported.
Liam Tadeo, 5, was deported with his father after being detained earlier this month while going to a soccer match in Texas. (James Talarico; Getty Images)
Talarico expressed his criticism by stating on social media that the government had taken the child away hundreds of miles from home, instead of allowing him to attend kindergarten. On Thursday, Talarico confirmed Liam’s deportation on social media.
Responding to these criticisms, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that Talarico was not presenting the complete story to the public. Mullin emphasized that both father and son were deported together at Martinez Nieto’s request.
“ICE does NOT separate families,” Mullin stated. He further explained that parents could choose to be removed with their children or designate a safe person to care for them. Mullin added that, like any U.S. citizen parent, responsibility for the children’s circumstances lies with the parents if they break the law.
The detention of the father and son occurred at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center. Talarico had previously called for higher standards in immigration detention conditions. Following Martinez Nieto’s earlier deportation in February, he re-entered the U.S. illegally, according to reports by the Austin American-Statesman.
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