LULAC ISSUES NATIONWIDE PLEA ON BEHALF OF PREGNANT MOTHER FACING DEPORTATION AMID MEDICAL CRISIS

Nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization calls for compassion, due process, and a reset of immigration enforcement priorities.

WASHINGTON — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is issuing a nationwide call to action on behalf of Cecil Quiñonez, a young immigrant mother of two U.S.-born children, ages 5 years and 5 months, who is currently detained and facing imminent deportation while experiencing medical complications during early pregnancy.

Quiñonez, who is approximately eight weeks pregnant, has reported severe bleeding, pain, inadequate nutrition, and limited access to consistent prenatal care while in federal custody. She was detained after a routine traffic stop while transporting her children, one of whom was ill and in need of medical attention. She has no criminal background and has been complying with immigration-related appointments and requirements.

"This is not what the American people were promised," said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. "We were told immigration enforcement would focus on individuals who pose a genuine threat to public safety. Instead, we are witnessing the detention of a pregnant mother, separated from her children, whose only 'offense' is trying to care for her family while navigating an increasingly unforgiving system. LULAC is calling for an immediate reset that restores due process, honors humanitarian principles, and realigns enforcement with the priorities the administration said it would uphold."

Quiñonez was later transferred out of Florida to a detention facility in Louisiana without prior notice to her family, heightening concerns about her health and the welfare of her unborn child. Her sudden detention has also caused significant emotional trauma to her children, including a breastfeeding infant who has now been separated from his mother.

LULAC says this case is not an isolated incident, but part of a growing national pattern affecting families across the country. "Every day, LULAC receives urgent pleas from families who are terrified and overwhelmed," said Juan Proaño, Chief Executive Officer of LULAC. "We work closely with a trusted network of immigration attorneys who are ready to help. What we lack, and what families like Cecil's urgently need, are the resources to act quickly when lives and families are on the line. LULAC is doing everything possible to build capacity to respond, but we cannot do it alone."

LULAC is calling on the public to stand with Cecil Quiñonez and her children by supporting efforts to secure competent legal representation and ensure medical advocacy. At the same time, we can help stabilize her family during this crisis. Funds raised will support immigration legal defense, court and filing fees, childcare, and basic living needs for her children, and emergency medical advocacy related to her pregnancy.

"This is a moral test," Palomares said. "America must decide whether its immigration system reflects fear and punishment, or fairness and humanity. LULAC is choosing humanity, and we are asking the nation to do the same."

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About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit www.LULAC.org.