In brief
Esteban Rios, the father of Marine Steve Rios, was arrested by ICE after visiting his pregnant daughter at Camp Pendleton. The Department of Homeland Security revealed his criminal record, which includes charges of domestic violence and aggravated assault. The family claims they were in compliance with immigration regulations and had pending green card applications. The incident has reignited discussions about immigration policy and enforcement actions.
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Esteban Rios, the father of a Marine, was detained by immigration authorities while visiting his daughter at Camp Pendleton. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disclosed that Rios has a criminal history involving domestic violence and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Rios was deported to Mexico in 1999, removed again in 2005, and ordered deported by an immigration judge in 2020 after reentering the U.S. illegally. This information came to light after Marine Steve Rios expressed his concerns regarding his father's detention.Homeland Security had previously withheld details about Rios's criminal history but released them following media inquiries. They accused the Associated Press of obscuring facts, despite not providing them with specific information initially.Steve Rios, emotionally reflecting on his family's journey, stated that his parents worked hard to provide for him and that joining the Marines was his way of giving back. On September 28, he and his family went to pick up his younger sister and brother-in-law, both Marines, when ICE officials detained his parents at the base's entrance.Homeland Security has stated that individuals with criminal records, including domestic violence, would face consequences under current policies. The Rios family maintains they had no criminal record and to have pending green card applications, challenging the validity of the ICE actions.The incident raises critical questions about current immigration practices and the intersection between law enforcement and military families.
