Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) strongly condemned the harsh and cruel decision by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to deport a local woman who has two U.S. citizen children, including one small child who has special needs. This is the second time in less than a month a U.S. citizen child with developmental disabilities has lost the care of a hardworking, caring parent as a result of a recent Executive Order by the Trump Administration.

In late September, Gaston Cazares, a 30-year resident of San Diego who was caring for his 15 year old autistic son, was deported. Today, federal authorities made the decision to deport Silvia Ocampo Ortiz, who for years, has worked as a housekeeper to provide for her children.  

“These parents have worked hard so they can provide their children with a better future, something that we all want,” said Rep. Scott Peters. 

“Targeting families with disabled children is heartless and cruel and does not represent the values of our great nation,” he said. “In addition to the inhumanity of ripping loving, caring parents away from their children, it’s also fiscally stupid. Now these children, as U.S. citizens, will end up in our foster care system, which is already severely overburdened. It makes no sense and I urge everyone to call the Trump Administration out on this nonsense decision.”