Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin addressed criticism from Texas Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico concerning the deportation of a young boy and his father. The incident has drawn attention due to the political implications it carries.
Victor Martinez Nieto and his five-year-old son Liam Tadeo were deported on Tuesday. They were detained by federal immigration authorities in Austin, Texas, earlier this month while heading to a soccer match.
Criticism from Senate Candidate
James Talarico, who has been vocal in his criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, highlighted the case this week. Talarico argued that Liam, who was about to start kindergarten, deserved to be spending his first day in school rather than facing deportation.
“ICE kidnapped Liam Tadeo on his way to a soccer game with his dad,” Talarico posted on social media. “Liam should be in kindergarten. Instead, our government has thrown him into a prison camp far from home.”
Talarico’s posts prompted response and scrutiny, bringing the focus onto immigration enforcement strategies.
Homeland Security’s Clarification
Secretary Mullin countered Talarico’s statements, saying that the full story was not being shared with the public. Mullin explained that the deportation occurred because of Victor Martinez Nieto’s request. According to Mullin, ICE allows parents to choose whether they will be deported with their children or if the children should be placed with a designated safe person.
“ICE does not separate families,” Mullin asserted, emphasizing that the agency prioritizes family unity during deportations.
Mullin also pointed out that responsibility for children lies with their parents. He compared this situation to any U.S. citizen parent being accountable for their children if they are arrested for breaking the law.
Background on Martinez Nieto
Martinez Nieto’s legal issues began with his arrest by immigration officers in November 2025. He was deported in February but returned illegally to the United States, Austin American-Statesman reported.
The father and son were held at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center before their deportation.
Fox News Digital reached out to the family’s attorney for further comments.