ICE Pushing to Deport 12-Year-Old US Citizen, Lawyer Says
A 12-year-old boy born in Turkey to a Nigerian mother and a U.S. citizen father serving in the military is facing deportation by ICE due to unresolved questions about his citizenship, despite substantial non-DNA evidence of his parentage. His legal team says U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is demanding a DNA test, which the father has refused, and the case highlights broader concerns about birthright citizenship. With the U.S. Supreme Court considering changes to birthright citizenship rules, advocates fear similar cases could increase significantly.
- ▪The 12-year-old boy was born in Turkey to a Nigerian mother and Bolanle Meshach Akinleye, a U.S. citizen who was serving in the military at the time.
- ▪U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is seeking a DNA test to verify the boy’s citizenship, which his father has refused to provide.
- ▪The boy and his mother are in removal proceedings, with the next immigration hearing scheduled for January 2027.
- ▪Attorney Margaret Stock argues that extensive non-genetic evidence, including photos and videos, confirms the father-son relationship.
- ▪The case arises as the U.S. Supreme Court considers the legality of a Trump executive order that could limit birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
By Dan GoodingAssociate EditorShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The Trump administration is seeking to deport a 12-year-old boy born to a Nigerian mother and a U.S. citizen in the military, because there has not been a DNA test, his attorney told Newsweek.As a case involving proof of citizenship while the U.S. Supreme Court decides on potential changes to birthright citizenship, the boy’s legal team told Newsweek that more cases like his are likely.The boy, who lives in Anchorage, has been placed in removal proceedings along with his mother, with U.S.
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