Texas Mother Fights for Return to U.S. After Deportation

Jessica Treviño Villegas, a 34-year-old mother of three, has filed a lawsuit against the federal government seeking to return to the U.S. following her deportation to Mexico in March. She had been living in Alamo, Texas, since immigrating from Mexico at the age of seven. Her three children, all U.S. citizens, are preparing for the new school year, while she battles to reunite with them.

Villegas had a valid status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, allowing her to remain in the U.S. until April 2027. She expressed her frustration, stating, “I have lived in this country since I was a little girl…I have renewed my DACA, followed every rule…Despite complying with all requirements, the government removed me from my children.”

Federal agents detained Villegas in December. She received a voluntary departure order with a March 19 deadline. On March 25, Villegas was deported, despite her valid DACA status. Her lawsuit highlights this discrepancy and requests her immediate return.

The lawsuit names DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, seeking orders to undo Villegas’ deportation. According to DHS officials, Villegas had unlawfully traveled outside the U.S. on her deportation date, which led them to terminate her DACA status.

DACA provides temporary residency and work permits without granting legal status. Recipients must maintain a clean criminal record and cannot travel abroad. Villegas emphasized the impact on her family, stating, “My children need their mother and I need them…No family should have to go through this.”

The incident occurred after a traffic accident involving her vehicle and a Homeland Security vehicle. DHS officials claim Villegas accepted voluntary departure and waived her appeal rights, insisting, “She left the U.S. on March 25, 2026, and will NOT return.”

Her attorney, David Rozas, argues the removal was unjustified, as her DACA remains valid until 2027. Reports suggest 86 DACA recipients have been deported, and 241 arrested during the current administration. Immigration advocates claim Villegas’ experience illustrates a broader campaign against DACA holders.

Tania Chavez, La Unión del Pueblo Entero’s executive director, said, “Jessica did not willingly leave the country…The same agency causing chaos now threatens further harm by revoking her DACA protections.” Chavez emphasized that Jessica’s experience reflects systemic failings, despite her ongoing efforts for justice.