An Arizona family is grappling with the sudden disappearance of their loved one, who they believe was mistakenly deported to a country with which he has no ties. The family from Kingman, in the northwestern part of the state, is seeking answers following what they believe to be a grave error by immigration authorities.
Jessica Cuellar Portillo is desperately searching for her husband, Miguel Cuellar Portillo, who she says was wrongfully deported to Mexico. Miguel, who entered the United States illegally nearly two decades ago, was in the process of applying for citizenship when he was detained. Despite a deportation order issued in 2012, which he did not comply with, the couple was hopeful that Miguel’s application for citizenship would be successful.
However, their hopes were dashed when Miguel was taken into custody during an I-130 interview, a step in the process of obtaining a green card for a foreign spouse. He was held at an immigration detention center in Florence, Arizona, for a week before his sudden disappearance on August 21.
Jessica recounts the shock of discovering her husband’s absence from the detention center. She had been told that his deportation paperwork listed El Salvador as his destination, but he was instead reportedly left somewhere in Mexico. Despite her tireless efforts, Jessica has been unable to locate her husband.
The situation has left Jessica in a state of distress, as she struggles to understand how her husband could be deported to a country he has no connection with. She is now focused on locating Miguel and ensuring he is safely returned to the correct country.
The family’s ordeal has been met with silence from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who have yet to respond to inquiries about why Miguel was deported to Mexico instead of El Salvador. Federal authorities have, however, informed the family that they are investigating the matter.
In the meantime, Jessica and the Salvadoran consulate continue their relentless search for Miguel, hoping for his safe return.