Dead but deportable: US immigration judge signed order to eject teen murder victim
An immigration judge in North Carolina ordered the deportation of Levi Mendez-Maldonado, a young man who was murdered in 2024. The judge ruled in absentia, citing Mendez-Maldonado's failure to appear in court despite being informed of his death. Advocates criticize the decision as a reflection of a dehumanizing immigration system that disregards the dignity of noncitizens.
- ▪Levi Mendez-Maldonado was murdered in a shooting in November 2024.
- ▪Judge Amy Lee ordered his deportation on May 21, 2026, despite being notified of his death.
- ▪The court hearing lasted only five minutes and did not acknowledge Mendez-Maldonado's death.
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Levi Mendez-Maldonado, 19, who was murdered in a shooting in North Carolina in November 2024. Photograph: Courtesy Becca O'NeillView image in fullscreenLevi Mendez-Maldonado, 19, who was murdered in a shooting in North Carolina in November 2024. Photograph: Courtesy Becca O'NeillUS immigrationDead but deportable: US immigration judge signed order to eject teen murder victimNorth Carolina judge said Levi Mendez-Maldonado failed to show up in court – even after being told he had died in 2024Victoria BouloubasisWed 3 Jun 2026 14.04 EDTLast modified on Wed 3 Jun 2026 14.17 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleAn immigration judge in Charlotte, North Carolina, recently ordered the deportation of a young man who was killed in 2024, citing his failure to appear in court.Judge Amy Lee ordered the…
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