U.S. Marine’s Father Deported After Family Visit Sparks Outrage

A U.S. Marine’s father has been deported to Mexico following his detention during a family visit at Camp Pendleton in Southern California. The incident has raised significant concerns regarding the legality of his removal, particularly given the family’s pending immigration status.

On September 28, 2023, Esteban Rios and his wife, Luisa Rodriguez, drove from their home in Oceanside, California, to Camp Pendleton to meet their daughter, Ashley, who is expecting her first child. This family gathering had become a cherished weekend routine. As they approached the base gate, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained both parents, leading to a series of events that would dramatically alter their lives.

Initially, Esteban and Luisa were taken to downtown San Diego, where they were questioned for several hours. After their release, they were fitted with ankle monitors and instructed to return for an ICE check-in. On the day of their appointment, Steve, their son and a Marine himself, accompanied them. He recalls Esteban wearing a bright red shirt emblazoned with “Proud Dad of a U.S. Marine,” an outfit chosen to reflect his pride in his son’s service.

Unfortunately, the family’s hopes were dashed when they were informed that both parents would be detained again. Esteban was deported by the following morning, leaving behind a family in turmoil. The Rios family has lived in the United States for over 30 years, contributing to their community through various jobs while holding work authorizations. They also have active green card applications sponsored by their son, Steve.

Steve expressed his dismay to reporters, emphasizing, “It was just making them proud. I’ve seen the struggles they’ve gone through, so serving this country was the least I could do.” The family has confirmed that neither Esteban nor Luisa has a criminal record, raising questions about the legal grounds for Esteban’s deportation.

In a statement to NBC 7, an ICE spokesperson noted 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 against him, a critical factor in determining the legality of his deportation. Immigration attorneys point out that individuals with pending applications and no prior deportation orders are generally considered low-priority cases.

The circumstances surrounding the Rios family’s situation reflect broader changes in immigration enforcement policies. Historically, close relatives of active-duty service members were afforded some protections against deportation. However, recent shifts in policy have diminished these protections, leaving military families vulnerable.

As of now, Luisa Rodriguez remains in ICE custody, reportedly at the Otay Mesa Detention Center near San Diego. The family is actively working with immigration attorneys to challenge her detention and seek a stay of removal. Ashley, due to give birth soon, expressed her heartbreak over her father’s absence during this significant family moment.

“It’s hard,” she said tearfully. “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 ignited public sympathy and renewed calls for immigration reform. For Steve Rios, the situation remains painfully clear: “My dad believed in this country. He wore that hat with pride. I just want my mom home.”