Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan denied an emergency appeal to halt the deportation of a family of four Mexican nationals who are targets of cartel violence. The family requested the deportation be stopped while they prepare and file a petition for review of their case. President Trump’s immigration crackdown and push for mass deportations have put pressure on immigration officials to efficiently manage their dockets, potentially leading to the rejection of asylum applications without a hearing. Kagan, a liberal justice who typically supports immigration and asylum cases, denied the application without comment.
The family, consisting of Fabian Lagunas Espinoza, Maria Angelica Flores Ulloa, Fabian Lagunas Flores, and Mateo Lagunas Flores, left Mexico in August 2021 after being threatened by armed cartel members. They entered the U.S. seeking asylum but were denied by an immigration judge, a decision upheld by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in February 2025. The court filing details past violence against the family, including threats, beatings, and other forms of intimidation by cartel members. Kagan denied the application without referring it to the broader court.
The emergency appeal highlights the immediate danger the family faces if deported to a region of Mexico where they have been threatened with death by cartel members. The denial of their application means that they were set to appear before immigration officials on April 17, though it is unclear what transpired during that meeting or if they are still in the country. The family’s attorney argued that deportation would result in irreparable harm, including exposure to violence, persecution, and separation from their family. Trump’s administration has taken a hardline stance on immigration, leading to increased enforcement and deportation activities.
Trump’s memo to immigration officials urging efficient docket management may result in a quicker rejection of asylum applications without providing individuals with a hearing. The family’s case is part of a larger trend of immigrants seeking asylum in the U.S. facing challenges and obstacles under the current administration’s immigration policies. Kagan’s denial of the emergency appeal highlights the difficulties faced by immigrants and asylum seekers in navigating the legal system. The fate of the family remains uncertain as they continue to fight deportation and seek protection from cartel violence in Mexico.
The family’s case underscores the complex and dangerous situations faced by individuals seeking asylum in the U.S. due to threats of violence and persecution in their home countries. The denial of their appeal by Kagan raises questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the asylum process under Trump’s administration. As the family navigates the legal system and faces potential deportation, their future and safety hang in the balance. The ongoing immigration crackdown and enforcement activities have created an environment of fear and uncertainty for immigrants and asylum seekers, making it increasingly difficult for them to seek protection and safety in the U.S.
