Migrant Dad Faces Deportation After Wrong Turn in California

Erick Hernandez, a father who migrated from El Salvador to the U.S. at age 14, is facing deportation after accidentally crossing into Mexico on a California freeway. According to his lawyer, Hernandez was working as a rideshare driver near the border in Los Angeles when he took a wrong turn and ended up in Mexico.

Hernandez was covered under DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), a program that protected him from deportation since he arrived in the U.S. as a child. However, leaving the country without prior approval, as he did inadvertently, resulted in the loss of those protections.

“When that happened, he lost everything,” his attorney explained. “He no longer has DACA.”

Hernandez was trying to re-enter the U.S. and explained that his border crossing was a mistake. Despite his efforts to clarify the situation, authorities ignored his plea, and he is now in deportation proceedings.

He was in the process of legalizing his status after marrying Nancy Rivera, a U.S. citizen, late last year. The couple is expecting their second child next month, adding to the stress of his impending deportation.

His wife expressed her anxiety, fearing she will have to manage alone if Erick is deported. She described the situation as highly stressful and heartbreaking.

Department of Homeland Security officials clarified that DACA eligibility does not grant legal status or immunity from deportation. Any recipient attempting illegal crossings can be subject to arrest and removal. Hernandez is now detained at Otay Mesa, and his lawyer highlighted that Hernandez is very fearful of returning to El Salvador, a country he hasn’t lived in since childhood.