He National Security Department (DHS) rejected accusations against the Customs Immigration and Control Service (ICE)after spreading versions that pointed to a girl from 5 years was used as “bait” To achieve your father’s capture in Massachusetts.
The Complaints arose in the midst of immigration policy of the Trump administration, characterized by severe measures against undocumented immigrants. The plan to expel millions has been questioned by civil organizations and opponents who consider it a mass deportation strategy with abusive practices.
Tricia McLaughlin, spokeswoman for DHScategorically denied the accusation. In statements a Newsweek described the versions as “A disgusting defamation” And he argued that the agents “They never used a minor like bait“During the operation in Leominster, Massachusetts.
Disseminated images and family testimonies
A Video released by Telemundo New England shows the girldiagnosed with autismsitting next to a truck while federal agents carried out the operation. The mother denounced in the recording that The child had been carried by the officers In the midst of detention.
The father, Edwards Hixto Mejía, told his wife that he suspected to be followed. In the images, agents communicate with him from the entrance of the house. At one point, an officer asks: “Is your daughter? They see here so that I can see those identifications”, To which Mejía refuses.
According to McLaughlin, Mejía had a history of domestic abusestrangulation and vandalism. He added that the man would have ignored high signsfleeing to his residence and leaving the child inside the vehicle. That action, he said, motivated the Officers will help the girl.
The official explained that Agents called the Local Police to report abandonment. He also said that, before taking refuge at home, Mejía would have shown an obscene gesture to the authorities while escaping with the patrol on behind him.
Two days after the operation, Mejía was arrested again and transferred to a federal detention center. According to the DHS, remains in ICE custody waiting for a deportation process that could be completed in the coming weeks.
He Official file points out that the Guatemalan entered the United States illegally In 2000. According to his wife, he resided in the country for 25 years And together they formed a family with Two American citizen children.
The Woman declared NBC Boston, under anonymity, which agents returned to their home and arrested Mejía from the back of the property. “They left behind the house, arrested him and took him”, Told the local environment.
In one GOFUNDME COLLECTION CAMPAIGN, The wife claimed to feel intimidated. “Our house is surrounded And I am afraid to take my children to school or even the doctor if they get sick, ”he wrote on the digital platform.
At the moment, Mejía is being held at the Plymouth County Correctional Centerwhere it will remain in custody until conclude your deportation process. The case continues generating debate about ICE tactics and repercussions on immigrant families.