Faustino Pablo Pablo, a Guatemalan immigrant protected by a court order against deportation, was mistakenly removed by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a routine appointment in New Orleans.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acknowledged in a Texas federal court that this deportation was "illegal" and pledged to ensure his return to the United States by December 12.
This incident, reported by the EFE agency, highlights significant flaws in the deportation procedures under President Donald Trump's administration, which is known for its stringent but judicially scrutinized immigration policies.
According to court documents, Pablo Pablo entered the U.S. in 2012 seeking asylum as he fled violence in Guatemala. He later received a "stay of removal," a legal protection preventing his deportation to a country where he might face torture or persecution.
Despite this, ICE detained him in November and deported him directly to Guatemala City.
Judge David Guaderrama ruled the deportation "illegal" and emphasized that Pablo Pablo faces a "clear and grave risk of irreparable harm" if he remains in Guatemala. The court ordered the U.S. government to expedite his return and provide daily updates on the process.
During the December 3 hearing, government attorneys admitted the deportation was improperly conducted. "Pablo Pablo was under a removal suspension to Guatemala at the time of his deportation, and therefore the physical removal was illegal," federal representatives conceded in court.
The judge also directed the DHS and ICE to inform all involved agents of this decision and to work with the immigrant's defense to locate and facilitate his return to U.S. soil.
Judicial records indicate a return flight has been "tentatively scheduled," though it has yet to be finalized.
Faustino Pablo Pablo's situation is not unique. In March, Kilmar Abrego García was deported to El Salvador despite having an active protection order, prompting a federal court to mandate his return. Similarly, Jordin Melgar-Salmeron was removed after obtaining a deportation suspension, forcing the government to organize his return.
This growing concern among immigration lawyers and human rights organizations warns of increasing "erroneous" deportations, putting at risk hundreds of migrants protected by judicial orders.
"He is a hardworking individual," said Pablo Pablo's daughters from New Orleans to Telemundo, as they await their father's return to reunite with his family in the U.S.
Key Questions on Wrongful Deportations
What legal protections did Faustino Pablo Pablo have against deportation?
Faustino Pablo Pablo was protected by a "stay of removal," which legally prevents the deportation of individuals to countries where they may face torture or persecution.
What actions has the U.S. government taken following the illegal deportation?
The U.S. government has committed to facilitating Pablo Pablo's return by December 12 and providing daily progress reports. They have also been ordered to inform all involved agents and work with his defense to ensure his return.
Are there other cases similar to that of Faustino Pablo Pablo?
Yes, other cases include Kilmar Abrego García and Jordin Melgar-Salmeron, both of whom were deported despite having protective orders, and were subsequently ordered to be returned by federal courts.