Deaf 6-Year-Old Deported to Colombia Without Hearing Aids

Family's attorney says the child was separated from his hearing aids during deportation.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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A deaf 6-year-old boy named Joseph Andrey Londono Rodriguez was deported from California to Colombia without his hearing aids, according to his family's attorney. The boy's mother, Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez, was seeking asylum after leaving Colombia and was detained and deported by ICE along with her two sons.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the treatment of vulnerable immigrant families, especially children with special needs, during deportation proceedings. It raises questions about the policies and procedures used by immigration authorities when dealing with families with minors.

The details

During a check-in appointment, ICE detained and deported the boy's mother, Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez, and her two sons, reportedly not allowing a family member to retrieve the boy's hearing aids. The family's attorney said the family was deported to Colombia after spending about four years in the Bay Area, having escaped an abusive relationship.

  • On March 5, 2026, the family was deported to Colombia.

The players

Joseph Andrey Londono Rodriguez

A 6-year-old deaf boy who was deported to Colombia without his hearing aids.

Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez

The mother of Joseph Andrey Londono Rodriguez who was seeking asylum in the U.S. and was detained and deported by ICE along with her two sons.

Tony Thurmond

The California State Superintendent who expressed concern over the case and called for the child's return.

Department of Homeland Security

The government agency that commented on the incident, stating that ICE does not separate families and that Gutierrez chose to be removed with her children.

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What they’re saying

“It is gut-wrenching that Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez and her son, and her 6-year-old and 5-year-old would be abducted. And that this would be a young boy who depends on hearing aids and other medical devices to be successful, and that he was snatched up without his hearing aids. And as far as we know, is without any care. We do not know his whereabouts, and we are calling for the immediate return of this young man and his family.”

— Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent (wbal.com)

“ICE does not separate families. Parents are given a choice: They can be removed with their children or place them with a safe person they designate. This is consistent with past administration's immigration enforcement. Gutierrez chose to be removed with her children, and they returned to their home on March 5.”

— Department of Homeland Security (wbal.com)

What’s next

The family's attorney is calling for the immediate return of the child and his family to the United States.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater protections and consideration for vulnerable immigrant families, especially those with children who have special needs, during deportation proceedings. It raises concerns about the policies and procedures used by immigration authorities and the potential for harm to minors.