A 10-year-old boy receiving life-saving cancer treatment in the United States is now at risk of deportation after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) accused his family of overstaying their visa.
The child, whose identity has been withheld for privacy reasons, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and has been undergoing treatment at a US hospital. His family, originally from Mexico, entered the country legally but allegedly remained beyond their visa's expiration date.
Advocates have condemned the move, arguing that deporting the boy would disrupt his critical medical care and put his life at risk. "This is a matter of life and death," said a spokesperson for a migrant rights organisation. "Forcing a child to leave during active treatment is inhumane."
ICE has defended its actions, stating that immigration laws must be enforced uniformly. However, critics argue that the agency should exercise discretion in humanitarian cases, particularly involving children with severe illnesses.
The case has reignited debates about US immigration policies and their impact on vulnerable individuals. Campaigners are urging authorities to grant the family an extension on humanitarian grounds.
