Deported woman reunited with her US citizen children
A woman who was deported to Mexico and separated from her five children, all United States citizens, for more than 10 months regained custody on Thursday after a children’s court judge dismissed the case.
Antonia Campos was detained on Aug. 29, 2010, after trying to illegally enter the U.S. Campos had been living in America for 17 years yet traveled to Mexico with her children to visit Campos’ ailing father.
Her five children, ranging in age from 7 to 15, returned to El Paso before Campos. She was arrested while attempting to cross the Rio Grande.
After her detention, Child Protective Services officials visited Campos’ home and took the unattended children into custody. Campos was deported to Mexico; her children were placed in foster homes.
They had no immediate relative living in the U.S.
Since then, Campos had been pushing for her children’s release so they could reunite with her in Mexico.
Campos, who was allowed to enter the United States temporarily for the court appointment, hugged her children after Thursday’s hearing.
“I told (the children) that we’re going to struggle a bit, but we’re going to make it,” she said.
Mireya Nevarrez, 14, said she was also concerned about the change, yet was happy to be reunited with her mother.
“At first I felt afraid, but now that I’m going to be with my mom again, I don’t feel that anymore,” she said.
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Seems to me the best thing for the children is for their mother to live in the US with them.
Antonia Campos sits with her daughters Yulissa Nevarrez, 11, left, Mireya Nevarrez, 14, and Milka Nevarrez, 12, right, after the custody battle for her children ended in her favor Thursday at the El Paso County Courthouse. (Mark Lambie/El Paso Times)