'I'm scared for my daughters': Pregnant Ecuadorian woman fighting deportation

Published: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 9:13 am

Pregnant Ecuadorian Woman Fights Deportation Amid Trafficking Concerns

A pregnant Ecuadorian woman is battling deportation from the United States, despite a pending visa application for victims of trafficking. Maria Isabel Loja-Loja, along with her two daughters, was scheduled for removal as part of ongoing immigration enforcement. However, a federal judge issued an emergency order temporarily halting the deportation.

Loja-Loja, who is four months pregnant, expressed fear for her daughters’ safety if returned to Ecuador, citing concerns about crime, trafficking, and violence. She claims to have been trafficked in the U.S. and has received threats from alleged human smugglers, including threats against her children.

Loja-Loja previously worked in Ecuador for an organization that targeted criminal groups, which she believes makes her a target for violence if deported. She applied for a "T visa," which provides legal status to victims of human trafficking. The government issues a limited number of "T visas" and similar "U visas" annually.

Despite her pending visa application, Loja-Loja received notification to appear at the airport for departure. Her attorney argues that federal authorities are violating her due process rights by attempting to deport her before her visa application is processed. The attorney claims that the Department of Homeland Security reversed a policy that allowed ICE officials to exercise discretion in deferring decisions on civil immigration enforcement against "T visa" and "U visa" applicants.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that Loja-Loja has been processed for expedited removal and released with a GPS monitor while undergoing further removal proceedings. The spokesperson emphasized that a pending application does not confer legal status and that all illegal aliens receive due process.

This case echoes a broader legal battle. A class-action lawsuit filed in California challenges the Department of Homeland Security's policy, alleging it allows for the detention and deportation of immigrant survivors of violent crimes, despite pending visa applications. The lawsuit claims that ICE previously followed a framework that generally did not pursue enforcement against individuals with pending "T visas" or other visas for victims of certain crimes. The government argues that policy changes were made to comply with executive orders prioritizing the removal of all removable noncitizens.

Loja-Loja hopes to remain in the U.S. to pursue her case, emphasizing her need for protection for her daughters and her unborn child.

BNN's Perspective:

This case highlights the complex intersection of immigration enforcement and the protection of vulnerable individuals. While upholding the rule of law and securing borders is essential, it's crucial to ensure that victims of trafficking and other crimes are not further victimized by the very systems designed to protect them. A balanced approach that considers both national security and humanitarian concerns is necessary.

Keywords: deportation, immigration, trafficking, T visa, U visa, Ecuador, pregnant, due process, ICE, Department of Homeland Security, asylum, human rights, legal status, expedited removal, federal judge, emergency order

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