Senators Urge Return of Deported California DACA Recipient

Jordi Bashirian

Published: March 6, 2026 5:00 PM ET

Senators Urge Return of Deported California DACA Recipient

Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) are advocating for the return of a DACA recipient from California who was recently deported. This incident occurred just one day after Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez attended her green card interview. Despite having active DACA protection, Estrada Juarez was forcibly removed from the United States after 27 years of residence.

Details Surrounding Estrada Juarez’s Deportation

Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez, 42, had her life drastically changed when she was detained at the John E. Moss Federal Building in Sacramento. She was there for her green card interview on February 18, 2025. During this visit, immigration agents took her fingerprints and coerced her to sign a deportation order using her fingerprint. This was done without her consent, while she maintained her DACA status at the time.

Estrada Juarez shared her frustration over the sudden change in her life, stating, “I did everything I could to build a stable life and give my daughter the opportunities that I never had. But about two weeks ago, everything changed.” She emphasized that DACA was meant to protect individuals like herself, who follow legal protocols and contribute to society.

Historical Context of DACA

DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, was introduced in 2012 to protect immigrants brought to the U.S. as children from deportation. Under this program, recipients must pass background checks and meet educational or employment requirements. Currently, there are approximately 515,000 DACA recipients in the U.S., with California having the highest concentration at 144,000.

Challenges Faced by DACA Recipients

Estrada Juarez is not alone; many DACA recipients have faced deportation despite their protected status.
In a recent letter, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem provided conflicting data regarding the number of detained DACA recipients, raising concerns among lawmakers.
The deportation of Estrada Juarez showcases a departure from previous protections extended to DACA recipients under earlier administrations.

Government Response and Call for Action

Following the incident, both Senators Padilla and Durbin have voiced their concerns and called for legislative measures to ensure permanent protections for DACA recipients. Padilla remarked that DACA recipients have upheld their responsibilities and deserve to live without the fear of deportation.

Estrada Juarez’s legal team argues that her prior deportation order should not have been executed given her active DACA status. They contend she legally re-entered the U.S. in 2014 under advance parole, contradicting Homeland Security’s claims about her legal standing.

Conclusion

Estrada Juarez’s situation illustrates the ongoing challenges faced by DACA recipients amid shifting immigration policies. Senators are urging the government to reconsider the treatment of individuals under DACA and to reaffirm the protections initially promised.