A US Marine has revealed that his parents were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a visit to Camp Pendleton in California, leading to his father's deportation. Marine Steve Rios told NBC News that his parents, Esteban Rios and Luisa Rodriguez, were stopped at the base gate on September 28 and taken to a detention centre.
The couple were released with ankle monitors but were detained again on October 2 when they reported back to ICE as ordered. Esteban Rios was wearing a shirt reading 'Proud dad of a U.S. Marine' at the time. By October 10, Esteban had been deported, and Luisa's whereabouts were unknown.
Steve Rios stated that his parents had no criminal record and had work visas and pending green card applications, which he had sponsored. They had lived in the US for 30 years after arriving from Mexico. An ICE spokesperson said that all aliens in violation of immigration law may be subject to arrest and removal.
