Migrant Mother Welcomed with Newborn Leaves Tucson Hospital After CBP Release

A 24-year-old Guatemalan woman and her newborn were released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Saturday, following federal officials’ decision to allow her to pursue her immigration case rather than face immediate deportation to Mexico.

The woman had crossed into the U.S. near Tres Bellotas Ranch, located about 10 miles east of Sasabe, Arizona, while eight months pregnant. After reportedly walking for nearly two days, she was taken into custody by U.S. Border Patrol agents.

She was subsequently transported to the Tucson Medical Center, where doctors induced labor, and she gave birth. Initially, CBP had indicated she might face expedited removal and would have to decide whether to keep her newborn with her or leave the baby behind, as the child is a natural-born U.S. citizen and cannot be deported.

However, by Friday afternoon, the agency reversed its stance, allowing her to stay with a nonprofit group in the Phoenix area, according to her attorney, Luis Campos. Pima County Attorney Laura Conover confirmed the woman’s reunion with her newborn and highlighted the importance of humanitarian exceptions in such cases.

Conover expressed gratitude for the compassionate response from Tucson’s medical community and local officials, underscoring the city’s reputation for empathy.

The release followed days of controversy regarding the woman’s detention at Tucson Medical Center. Campos had been blocked by Border Patrol agents from speaking with her, prompting his outreach to public officials and local media.

Citing concerns for her safety, Campos withheld the woman’s name but reported she remained under medical care until her discharge. CBP stated that she was under custody until a notice to appear was issued, which initiates deportation proceedings.

Inside the hospital, BP agents required Campos to present a signed G-28 form to speak with her but prevented him from doing so. A CBP spokesperson defended the agents’ actions, claiming adherence to legal protocols.

Following her discharge, custody of the woman was transferred to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, and a court date was established. The child remained with her mother throughout the process.

Recent actions by ICE have drawn scrutiny, with organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union reporting on deportations involving U.S.-born children. Advocates have labeled these actions as an abuse of power, particularly in recent high-profile cases.

The political climate has intensified the scrutiny. President Donald Trump’s administration has pursued aggressive immigration policies, which critics argue undermine legal protections for those seeking asylum.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero condemned federal overreach, calling the treatment of medical facilities as extensions of strict immigration policies “unacceptable,” especially when a newborn’s welfare is at stake.

Campos credited the woman’s release to a concerted community effort and pressure from local political voices. He emphasized the positive outcome as a result of collective advocacy, stating, “This is really good news.”