Fact-Check ABC News: Trump Admin Didn’t Deport U.S. Child, It Was the Parent’s Choice

ABC News reported on April 26, 2025, that a federal judge suspected the Trump administration deported a 2-year-old U.S. citizen to Honduras “with no meaningful process.”

However, a DHS statement clarifies that the child’s mother, who was deported, chose to take her children with her, a decision supported by prior policy to keep families together during deportations.

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The ABC article highlights Judge Terry Doughty’s concerns about due process, noting the father’s attempts to retain custody. Yet, the DHS counters that the mother’s choice aligns with standard procedure, not a lack of process.

While the judge scheduled a May 16 hearing to investigate, the DHS stance suggests the deportation followed the mother’s decision, not a unilateral government action, challenging the narrative of “no meaningful process.”