Jessica Treviño Villegas, a Texas mother of three, is challenging her deportation to Mexico by suing the federal government. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, argues that her deportation in March was unlawful. Villegas had permission to remain in the United States through April 2027 under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Background of Villegas’ Case
Villegas, initially from Mexico, moved to the United States at seven years old. She lived in Alamo, Texas, and has been raising three teenagers, all U.S. citizens. Villegas emphasized her commitment to the DACA program since applying 14 years ago, adhering to all rules and renewing her status as required.
“I have lived in this country since I was a little girl,” she emphasized in a statement. “My children need their mother, and I need them. I am not giving up–I am fighting to come home.”
Her ordeal began in December when Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents arrested her in South Texas. Following her detention, Villegas received an order for voluntary departure by March 19, but remained in custody until her deportation on March 25.
DACA Status and Legal Battle
The lawsuit argues that Villegas held valid DACA status at the time of her removal, rendering her deportation unlawful. It criticizes DHS officials for refusing to facilitate her return to the U.S. and attempting to revoke her DACA status.
According to DHS, Villegas was notified last week of the termination of her DACA status due to “unauthorized travel” on March 25. Her attorney seeks judicial intervention to declare her removal unlawful and demands her return to Texas.
Attorney David Rozas remarked, “The government had no lawful basis to remove her, and we filed this petition to demand she be brought back home.”
The case is part of a broader concern highlighted by immigration right proponents, who claim systematic targeting of DACA recipients. Proponents argue Villegas’ protection under DACA should have shielded her from deportation.
Community Response and Next Steps
Tania Chavez, executive director of La Unión del Pueblo Entero, condemned Villegas’ deportation as violent and unlawful. Chavez insists the current administration failed Villegas and calls for her immediate return.
“Let’s be clear: Jessica did not willingly leave the country,” Chavez stated. “She was violently detained and illegally deported. The same agency that manufactured this chaos in Jessica’s life is now threatening to cause even more harm.”
Community advocates continue supporting Villegas and her legal battle. The case remains a critical focal point for those questioning DHS’s approach to DACA participants.
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