Terminally ill girl ordered to depart from the United States by the White House, despite medical professionals warning she might not survive longer than a few days.
In a bustling law office in downtown LA, a tiny tot named Sofia sits perched on an oversized chair, oblivious to the throng of cameras surrounding her.
She's dolling out stickers and playing a game of snap, none the wiser about why suddenly she's the center of attention.
Sofia, whose real identity we keep under wraps, is embroiled in the tumultuous waves of Donald Trump's immigration policies, a storm that often sweeps up the innocent without discrimination.**
The White House has issued an order for her immediate departure from the US, but Sofia's doctors at LA's Children's Hospital warn that sending her back to Mexico could spell disaster for her fragile health. They predict she might not survive the journey.
While Sofia engages in her childish games, her legal team voices her plight from the podium.
"We're sending her to her grave," Gina Amato Lough, a lawyer from Public Counsel, declares passionately. "That ain't justice, nor does it make us safer. We can't let our country abandon this child."
Sofia carries a backpack for 14 hours every night and four more during the day, a necessity that keeps her alive. It's a high-tech medical pack filled with nutrients she can't absorb naturally.
Born with short bowel syndrome, a life-threatening condition that kept her hospitalized for most of her first two years, Sofia spent her early life battling for survival.
Under the Biden administration, Sofia and her mother Deysi entered the US legally in July 2023, granted humanitarian parole for two years to access medical care. But in April, just three months into Trump's term, the 28-year-old received a letter from the Department of Homeland Security, revoking their right to stay in the country.
"Time to vacate the United States," the letter began.
"Even before receiving the letters, I was haunted by the news of deportations, even of those with humanitarian paroles," Deysi explains, her voice filled with fear and anxiety.
"I was always looking over my shoulder, terrified that my daughter might not make it. It's always at the back of my mind that she could die if she's disconnected from her treatment."
Sofia's lawyers have warned that any interruption in her treatment could be fatal within days. They've penned letters to the Trump administration, but have yet to receive a response.
"It appears as if nobody noticed that this child is four years old, on the brink of death," Ms Lough says. "Not only have they failed to reply, but they've continued sending letters confirming the cancellation of their status and ordering their immediate departure."
Sofia's doctors have made it clear that she will die within days if deported. Deporting the family under such circumstances, the lawyers argue, is both unlawful and a moral failure that breaches the fundamental principles of humanity and decency.
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security disputes the claim that Sofia's family is being deported actively. They confirmed that her application for humanitarian parole, filed on May 14, 2025, is still under consideration.
When approached, Trump's border czar Tom Homan claims ignorance of Sofia's case, promising to direct the White House press office to "look into" the matter.
For now, Sofia serves as a poignant symbol of the human casualties in the often inflexible and brutal immigration policy landscape.
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Update on Sofia:As of June 4, 2025, thanks to public outcry and legal intervention, Sofia and her family have been granted humanitarian parole, ensuring the little girl can continue receiving her critical medical treatment in the United States[5].
Background:- Medical Condition: Sofia requires intensive, round-the-clock intravenous nutrition and regular hospital visits every six weeks. Her health is so fragile that doctors have warned she might not survive deportation[2][4].- Initial Threat of Deportation: In April 2025, Sofia's mother received notices that their humanitarian parole and work permits were being revoked, triggering a legal fight to prevent deportation[4].- Legal Actions: The family's legal team filed new applications for humanitarian parole and mobilized public support to highlight the urgency of Sofia's situation. Lawyers argued that deporting Sofia would be unlawful and morally indefensible[3][4].
Actions Taken:- Application for Humanitarian Parole: The family applied for humanitarian parole on May 14, 2025, which is still being processed by U.S. immigration authorities[4].- Legal and Public Advocacy: The family's legal team, led by Gina Amato Lough of Public Counsel, emphasized the serious consequences of deporting Sofia, stating it would be both unlawful and a violation of basic human decency[3][5].- Fundraising Campaign: A fundraising campaign was launched to support Sofia's care, raising over $17,000 as of late May 2025[4].
- The ongoing political dispute over immigration policies, exemplified by Sofia's case, has drawn attention to medical conditions and healthcare, raising concerns about the health-and-wellness of vulnerable individuals like Sofia.
- Amid the contentious debate over policy-and-legislation and politics, Sofia's legal team has called for the White House to reconsider its stance on her case, arguing that deporting her could lead to disastrous consequences for her fragile health and life.
- As Sofia's medical-conditions require constant care and attention, her story highlights the need for general-news organizations to stay informed about policy changes that could potentially have life-or-death consequences for those seeking asylum and medical treatment.
