ICE Wrongfully Deports U.S.-Born Children After DPS Detainment in Texas — Why This Matters for Every Family

In a deeply disturbing incident that has sparked national outrage, two U.S.-born children were reportedly deported to Mexico alongside their undocumented parents following a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) traffic stop near a middle school in North Austin. As an immigration attorney committed to protecting families and fighting for due process, I believe it's critical to speak out about what this means—not just for the family involved, but for countless others who live in fear of unjust enforcement practices.

Children deported from the United States

What Happened Near Dobie Middle School and U.S.-Born Children?

According to news reports, Denisse Parra-Vargas and her husband were pulled over by DPS officers in front of Dobie Middle School. What started as a routine stop turned into a nightmare when they were taken into custody and handed over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Within days, they—and their three children—were deported to Mexico.

What makes this case particularly egregious is that two of the children were U.S. citizens by birth. The family’s attorney and immigrant advocacy groups allege that ICE failed to follow proper procedures, and that Denisse was pressured into signing documents she didn’t understand, effectively waiving her family’s rights without informed consent.

Due Process Violated — Again

This case is another example of what happens when immigration enforcement prioritizes speed over rights. As immigration lawyers, we regularly encounter families who are coerced, misinformed, or completely unaware of the legal recourse available to them.

Let’s be clear:➡️ U.S. citizens cannot legally be deported.➡️ All individuals, regardless of status, are entitled to due process.➡️ ICE must be held accountable when they bypass these basic principles.

The fact that U.S.-born children were deported alongside their undocumented parents shows a complete failure of checks and balances in our immigration system.

How ICE and DPS Collaboration Puts Families at Risk

This case also highlights the dangerous consequences of expanding cooperation between state law enforcement and federal immigration agencies. Texas continues to push legislation such as Senate Bill 8, which forces local law enforcement to enter into agreements with ICE—turning routine traffic stops into potential pathways for deportation.

These laws don’t just target undocumented individuals—they disrupt entire communities, break apart families, and now, as we’ve seen, wrongfully strip U.S. citizens of their rights.

What We’re Doing to Fight Back

At our firm, we’re not just watching these events unfold—we’re actively fighting against them.

• We represent families like the Parra-Vargas family, ensuring they understand their rights.

• We challenge wrongful deportations and coercive tactics through legal action.

• We educate communities about how to protect themselves from overreach and abuse.

If you or someone you know is facing immigration issues—especially after encounters with DPS or ICE—please contact our office immediately. Time is critical, and knowledge is your most powerful defense.