Congressman Helps Return Hearing Aids to Deported Deaf Child

Rep. Eric Swalwell's staff traveled to Colombia to reunite the 6-year-old with his medically required devices.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Rep. Eric Swalwell announced that his staff traveled to Colombia to return hearing aids to a 6-year-old deaf boy who was abruptly deported with his family last week. The family's deportation made international news after California's education chief demanded the return of the child's medically necessary hearing aids, which were taken when the family was detained.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the treatment of migrant families, especially those with special needs, during deportation proceedings. It raises questions about the due process rights of asylum-seekers and whether the government is upholding its responsibility to accommodate disabilities.

The details

The 6-year-old boy, Joseph Lesly Rodriguez, was deported to Colombia along with his mother, Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez, 28, and brother, despite the family having an order of supervision that should have prevented their deportation. Swalwell criticized the Trump administration's immigration policies, saying they are deporting "kids with disabilities" instead of just "violent criminals." Swalwell is now working on new legislation to better protect migrant families from similar situations.

  • On March 3, Rodriguez Gutierrez and her sons were detained at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's San Francisco office.
  • On March 5, the family was transported to San Francisco International Airport and flown to Alexandria, Louisiana, where they were removed to Colombia.
  • On March 9, Swalwell announced his staff had traveled to Colombia to return the 6-year-old's hearing aids.

The players

Rep. Eric Swalwell

A U.S. Congressman who criticized the Trump administration's immigration policies and worked to return the hearing aids to the deported deaf child.

Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez

A 28-year-old asylum-seeker from Colombia who was deported with her two sons, including her 6-year-old deaf son.

Joseph Lesly Rodriguez

The 6-year-old deaf son of Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez who was deported without his medically required hearing aids.

Nikolas De Bremaeker

The immigration attorney representing the Rodriguez Gutierrez family.

Tony Thurmond

The California Superintendent of Public Instruction who held a press conference demanding the return of the 6-year-old's hearing aids.

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What they’re saying

“What happened here is not about public safety. How does ruining the life of a 6-year-old deaf child make our community of the country any safer? It doesn't.”

— Rep. Eric Swalwell (usatoday.com)

“In a move that shocks the conscience and violates several laws as well as our constitution, ICE denied Joseph the assistive devices he needs to live. In the fundamental violation of the family's due process rights, ICE misled our team at every turn regarding the location of the family.”

— Nikolas De Bremaeker, Immigration Attorney (usatoday.com)

“They promised that they would deport violent criminals; now they are deporting kids with disabilities.”

— Rep. Eric Swalwell (usatoday.com)

“Let's be clear, if you want to deport a cartel boss, everyone here will help you pack their bags. But if you're coming for a 6-year-old, you have to go through us.”

— Rep. Eric Swalwell (usatoday.com)

What’s next

Swalwell is working with California Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff to construct new immigration legislation aimed at protecting migrant families like the Rodriguez Gutierrez family.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater protections and accommodations for migrant families, especially those with special needs, during deportation proceedings. It underscores the importance of upholding due process rights and ensuring the humane treatment of all individuals, regardless of immigration status.