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Salvadoran Mother Deported After Months in Detention Following Airport Arrest

Oct 29, 2025·Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Country of origin: El Salvador

Salvadoran Mother Deported After Months in Detention Following Airport Arrest
Photo via deseret.com

Marta Brizeyda Renderos Leiva, a 39-year-old Salvadoran immigrant and mother of four U.S.-born children, was deported to El Salvador after spending nearly four months in custody following her October 2025 arrest at Salt Lake City International Airport. She was transferred through multiple facilities, including jails in Salt Lake and Tooele counties, a facility in Texas, two detention centers in Arizona, and finally a detention center in Louisiana, which she described as having the worst conditions, with overcrowding, wet bedding, and untreated illness among detainees. Renderos Leiva said she repeatedly told agents she had a valid work permit and lawful status, and that she was cuffed at the hands, waist, and feet during every transfer, including her deportation flight.

Timeline

Oct 29, 2025—Renderos arrested by ICE agents in plain clothes at Salt Lake City International Airport while traveling with her sister; video footage shows her being forcefully held and struggling; detained pending deportation
Oct 29, 2025—Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and City Council express concern about operation's lack of transparency, agents' plain clothes, and use of public airport location
Jan 1, 2024—Renderos issued valid work permit valid through 2029
Feb 1, 2020—Deportation order issued in absentia; Renderos claims she never received notification due to notary error listing incorrect address
Jan 1, 2007—Marta Renderos Leiva enters the United States from El Salvador fleeing domestic violence and political strife
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