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Ernesto Z.H.: Father of four U.S. citizens says ICE deported him without a judge

Ernesto Zuniga Hilario, who lived in the U.S. nearly two decades and has four U.S.-citizen children, was deported to Mexico City despite refusing voluntary departure. His attorneys are asking a federal judge to help bring him back.

Sep 16, 2026Lometa, TXCountry of origin: Mexico

Ernesto Z.H.: Father of four U.S. citizens says ICE deported him without a judge
Photo via Newsweek

Ernesto Zuniga Hilario, a Mexican national who lived in the U.S. for nearly two decades, was detained by ICE in Texas after a traffic stop while traveling with his family to a therapy appointment. He is married to a lawful permanent resident and has four U.S.-citizen children. Zuniga Hilario says he repeatedly refused voluntary departure because he wanted to present his case before an immigration judge, but was instead placed on a bus, flown to Mexico City, and removed without a valid removal order or meaningful opportunity to challenge the action. His attorneys filed a habeas corpus petition asking a federal judge to facilitate his return, while DHS disputes the account, saying he signed a voluntary departure form.

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