DACA-Protected Woman Deported Despite Active Status, Sparking Outrage
Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez, a California resident for 27 years, was deported to Mexico despite holding active DACA protection. The 42-year-old had no criminal record but was removed within a day of attending her green card interview. Senators have now demanded her return, calling the move a breach of long-standing immigration policy.
Estrada Juarez was detained during her green card interview on an unspecified date. While in custody, she was pressured into signing a form agreeing to her own deportation. The following day, she was sent to Mexico.
Her case has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers, including Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). Both have urged the Department of Homeland Security to reverse the decision and bring her back to the U.S. Her supporters argue that official statements about her deportation contain inaccuracies.
The incident comes amid broader confusion over DACA under the current administration. Former President Trump has sent mixed signals about the program, which remains tied up in legal battles. DACA, introduced under Obama, protects immigrants brought to the U.S. as children from deportation and allows them to work legally.
Government data on DACA deportations has been inconsistent. Senator Kristi Noem reported that 86 DACA recipients were deported between January and November 2025. Officials claimed 92% of the 261 arrested in that period had criminal histories, though specifics on the severity of offences were not provided. Homeland Security has yet to respond to requests for comment on Estrada Juarez's case.
Her removal marks a shift from past practices, where DACA holders were rarely targeted for deportation. The move has raised concerns among advocates, given the program's history of bipartisan support.
Estrada Juarez's deportation highlights the uncertainty facing DACA recipients under the current administration. With conflicting data from Homeland Security and no official explanation, her case adds to the broader debate over the program's future. Lawmakers continue to push for her return, but no resolution has been announced.
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