by Sacramento, CA – A California woman who accused a contractor working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of sexual harassment has been deported to Mexico, even after a court granted her emergency relief, according to her attorneys.
Silvia Reyna Mendoza, a longtime Sacramento resident and mother of eight U.S. citizen children, was removed from the country early Friday morning, KCRA 3 reported. Later that same day, she received an emergency temporary stay — but by then, the deportation had already taken place.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the deportation and stated that Mendoza had a criminal history including theft, driving without a license, and driving under the influence. Her legal team argues that despite the past offenses, she should have been allowed to remain while her harassment claims and legal proceedings were underway.
Allegations of Retaliation
Mendoza’s family has filed a lawsuit alleging she faced retaliation after reporting sexual harassment by a contractor involved in ICE’s supervision program. According to the complaint, the contractor sent her sexually explicit messages and requested sexual favors.
Her relatives told reporters that after the allegations were made, there was no meaningful follow-up and attempts were made to erase evidence of the misconduct.
The civil lawsuit names ICE contractor BI Incorporated and two of its employees, The Sacramento Bee reported.
A spokesperson for BI Inc. told Newsweek the company has a “zero-tolerance policy” toward sexual abuse and harassment and said it thoroughly investigates complaints while providing services in compliance with federal standards.
Nearly Four Decades in the U.S.
Reyna Mendoza came to the United States from Mexico as a teenager to escape domestic violence, according to her family. Although she has lived in the country for nearly 40 years, she was still required to check in with ICE through BI Incorporated under existing immigration rules.
Growing Scrutiny of ICE Practices
ICE continues to face criticism and legal challenges as the federal government pushes for more aggressive immigration enforcement. Allegations of misconduct involving contractors and detention facilities have brought renewed attention to oversight and accountability.
Mendoza’s case raises further questions over how complaints are handled and whether immigrant women who report abuse are protected — or punished.
Her attorneys say they are now working to reunite her with her children and ensure her harassment case is fully investigated.
