An Ecuadorian asylum seeker fleeing domestic violence was reportedly deported hours before a federal judge temporarily blocked the removal of eight migrants on Thursday. Lawyers assert the Trump administration accelerated her expulsion despite pending court motions and credible fears of lethal retaliation from her ex-partner, a police officer accused of rape and death threats.
Court filings reveal the woman, identified as N.S., sought refuge in the U.S. on January 26, 2025, after enduring months of captivity and abuse.
“Plaintiff fled Ecuador to escape horrific violence by her former partner—a police officer who beat her, raped her at gunpoint, and used anti-indigenous slurs,”attorneys wrote. Despite submitting her asylum claim, she allegedly never received a mandatory “credible fear” interview to evaluate her case.
National Immigrant Justice Center litigation director Keren Zwick confirmed contact ceased Wednesday evening. “I’m certain her abuser will hunt her down. Her deportation violates every principle of asylum protection,” Zwick stated, criticizing DHS for withholding removal updates. The agency declined to confirm N.S.’s status.
This case reflects broader concerns about rushed asylum seeker deportations under tightened policies:
- Three Venezuelan migrants deported one day after winning a court appeal
- DHS accused of bypassing judges in Brazil/Egypt-bound removals
- ACLU lawsuit challenges presidential power to suspend migrant entries
Eight plaintiffs in the ongoing case—from Afghanistan, Ecuador, Brazil, and Egypt—argue removals expose them to cartel violence, Taliban persecution, or political imprisonment.
“There’s no public interest in unlawfully deporting people to face torture,”their legal team emphasized.
Advocates warn this pattern undermines asylum safeguards. With 3,200+ deportation flights reported since January 2025, critics demand transparency as court battles intensify ahead of the 2026 immigration policy review.