A father and son have been forcibly deported to China by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after their recent arrest in New York City. Zheng and his six-year-old son, Yuanxin, were taken into custody last month and were separated before being reunited briefly prior to their deportation.
Details of the Deportation
This week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed their deportation. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the department, stated, “We are happy to report we were able to remove the family back to their home country.” This statement comes as concerns grow regarding the treatment of immigrant families under current U.S. immigration policy.
Timeline of Events
- November 26: Zheng is arrested by ICE at 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan.
- Post-Arrest: Zheng is held at Orange County Jail, while Yuanxin is placed in the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s custody.
- Recent Events: The family reunites briefly before deportation to China.
Public Reaction and Advocacy
The separation of Zheng and Yuanxin sparked national outrage. Elected officials, including members of Congress and Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, voiced their concerns. Advocates rallied in Astoria, near PS 166, where Yuanxin had previously attended school, demanding the family’s release.
Impact of the Immigration System
While detained, Zheng managed to communicate with Yuanxin twice via phone but was not aware of his son’s location. Friends of Zheng highlighted the emotional toll of their separation, particularly as Zheng grappled with despair during his confinement.
The increased number of children detained by ICE is alarming. Data shows that between January and October, 151 under-18 individuals have been arrested, with a significant rise starting in May.
Background and Asylum Request
Zheng and his son initially entered the United States seeking asylum, having been detained previously at a family ICE detention center in Texas. They had been free for roughly a month on parole before their November arrest.
The Emotional Strain on Families
Friends of the family report heightened anxiety and uncertainty, particularly for Zheng’s wife, who was informed of the deportation by a lawyer. Her concerns center around the future—how to support her husband and manage the impact of their circumstances.
The experience of Zheng and Yuanxin underscores the complexities and challenges faced by immigrant families within a contentious immigration system.
