Deportation Case: Democrats Seek DHS Action
Democrats are demanding action from the Department of Homeland Security regarding the potential deportation of a critically ill, four-year-old girl, S.G.V., facing life-threatening risks if forced to leave the U.S. This urgent appeal follows the termination of humanitarian protections enacted under a previous administration,jeopardizing the child’s access to crucial medical care for short bowel syndrome in Los Angeles. Thirty-eight congressional members, including Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, have signed a letter urging Secretary Kristi Noem to reconsider. The girl’s physician warns that any interruption in her treatment coudl be fatal, while an online fundraiser seeks support. News Directory 3 provides this breaking coverage of the lawmakers’ efforts, the family’s plight, and the medical community’s desperate warnings. Discover what’s next as the DHS reviews the family’s application.
Trump-Era Policy Threatens Medical care for Girl, Sparks Outcry
Updated May 29, 2025
Washington—A Trump administration policy is under fire this week after the termination of humanitarian protections placed a 4-year-old girl, S.G.V., at risk of deportation. The girl, who is receiving critical medical treatment in Los Angeles for short bowel syndrome, could face life-threatening consequences if forced to leave the U.S.
S.G.V. and her parents were granted temporary entry into the U.S.via Tijuana in 2023. Now, 38 congressional Democrats, including sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, have signed a letter urging Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to reconsider the decision to terminate the family’s legal status. The lawmakers emphasized the need for humanitarian aid in this case,stating,”It is our duty to protect the sick,vulnerable,and defenseless.”
The family, currently residing in bakersfield, received notice last month from U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services about the termination. They have since reapplied for humanitarian protections.According to Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, the family is not currently in deportation proceedings, and their application remains under review.
Dr. John Arsenault of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles,S.G.V.’s physician, warned that any disruption to her nutrition system ”could be fatal within a matter of days.” the case has ignited public concern, with an online fundraiser for her care raising nearly $26,000.
Reps. Luz Rivas and Sydney Kamlager-Dove spearheaded the letter to Noem. Rivas explained that she felt compelled to act on behalf of immigrant constituents, even those outside her district, stating, “Without action from Secretary Noem and this administration, this little girl will die within days.”
Other lawmakers have also voiced their concerns. Rep. Judy Chu described the situation as “heartbreaking,” while Rep. greg Casar questioned the cruelty of deporting a child with a life-threatening medical condition.
“If they deport us and they take away my daughter’s access to specialized medical care, she will die,” said deysi Vargas.
During a news conference at Public Counsel, the family’s attorneys highlighted that the specialized medical equipment S.G.V. uses is unavailable outside the U.S. They also noted that S.G.V. is not the only child affected by the Trump administration’s immigration policies, with children increasingly caught up in deportation processes.
Gina Amato Lough, directing attorney at Public Counsel, said the girl’s case “is a symbol of the recklessness of this administration’s deportation policies.”
What’s next
The Department of Homeland Security is currently reviewing the family’s application for humanitarian protections. The decision will determine whether S.G.V. can continue receiving the medical care she needs in the United states.