Deportation of Father and Son Sparks Controversy

Homeland Security Secretary addressed recent criticism from James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Texas, concerning the deportation of a young boy. The child, detained alongside his father by federal immigration officials, has become a focal point in the debate over immigration policies.

Victor Martinez Nieto and his 5-year-old son, Liam Tadeo, were deported on Tuesday. They were initially detained in Austin, Texas, earlier this month while heading to a soccer match. Talarico has criticized the deportation, linking it to the broader immigration enforcement policies of the Trump administration.

In his criticism, Talarico emphasized Liam’s missed opportunity to start kindergarten this week. “ICE kidnapped Liam Tadeo on his way to a soccer game with his dad,” Talarico stated on social media. “Liam should be in kindergarten. Instead, our government has thrown him in a prison camp hundreds of miles from home.” The removal of the father and son was confirmed on Thursday.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin responded, suggesting that Talarico’s account was incomplete. According to Mullin, the boy was deported at his father’s request, clarifying, “ICE does NOT separate families.” Mullin explained that parents have the choice to be deported with their children or designate another responsible person to care for them.

“Parents are responsible for their children, just as any U.S. citizen parent is when they are arrested,” Mullin asserted. Both father and son had been detained at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center prior to their deportation.

Media reports indicate that Martinez Nieto was previously arrested by immigration officials in November 2025 and deported in February, only to re-enter the U.S. unlawfully. Fox News Digital has reached out to the family’s attorney for comment.