Oso left behind after owner's ICE deportation, rescued from shelter
May 26, 2026·Location: Prince George's County, MD

Oso, a Pomeranian, was left at a shelter after his family was deported by ICE in Prince George's County, Maryland during the current administration's mass deportation enforcement. The dog was surrendered with only his name on his collar and no explanation. Since mass deportation enforcement ramped up in early 2025, animal welfare groups across the country report a surge in pets abandoned or surrendered by deported families, with some rescues taking in three times as many animals as they did a year ago.
Sources
- Oso's Here Because Someone Had to Leave | Deez Muttz Pet Care
deezmuttzpetcare.com·May 26, 2026·archived copy
- How to prepare to leave a pet if you’re contemplating self-deportation
thelalocal.org·Jul 23, 2025·archived copy
- Dog's reunion in Malawi brings hope for more pet rescues
novanews.co.za·Jul 9, 2026·archived copy
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