'How Grave This Is': Two Durham Elementary Students Deported to Honduras as Outrage Grows

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported two children from Durham, North Carolina, to Honduras along with their parents within 48 hours of a scheduled immigration check-in appointment. The children were reportedly students under the Durham Public Schools district.

The incident sparked a public response from Durham Public Schools and local lawmakers.

Immigrant advocacy group Siembra NC alleged that the family was detained unfairly. ICE, however, has denied the allegations and claimed that the immigration agents were following their protocol after the family had failed to comply.

According to WRAL, Genesis and Denis, aged 11 and 6 respectively, were deported to Honduras earlier this week. The media outlet reported that the Durham-based family had been in the United States since 2022 after seeking asylum.

The deportation has surprised the local community, prompting Durham Public Schools to issue a public statement.

A school spokesperson said that the district was aware of reports involving a Durham Public Schools family and federal law enforcement. "We will continue to provide the essential support services our Burton Elementary students, families and staff need during this unsettling time," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson stated that the school district was deeply troubled by the event and will continue to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers. “There is nothing more we can provide at this time,” they added.

According to The News & Observer, Genesis's teacher, Daniel Burton, called the 11-year-old a “hard worker who never misses school.” Burton also called her a “little scientist and mathematician” and a “smart young lady with a bright future.”

“They are loving, kind and work hard to support their children. They deserve our love and support,” Burton wrote in a statement. State Senator Sophia Chitlik said during a press conference that people who seek asylum have a legitimate claim of harm in their home countries.

Chitlik stated, “I can’t really overstate how grave this is, how serious this is, and how concerned we need to be.”

Siembra NC stated that the family was attending a scheduled asylum administrative appointment when federal agents detained and deported them, reports WRAL. The federal agents unfairly detained the family and quickly deported them back to their home country, Siembra NC alleged.

Siembra NC member Andrea Malki said, "Denis and Genesis' family was doing exactly what the system asked of them. They were showing up and fulfilling their legal obligations as they seek refuge." Malki questioned the action taken against the family.

ICE denied the allegations, telling the outlet that the family had failed to appear for an immigration hearing. The agency released a statement, saying, “They received full due process and had no pending asylum claims or immigration applications.”

ICE also said that the family had entered the United States illegally in 2021 during former President Joe Biden's tenure.