DHS refutes media 'hoax’ that Trump admin deported 'Allentown Grandpa'

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a statement refuting that immigration authorities ever deported an "Allentown Grandfather," or that he died in ICE custody, a claim that has been spread in the media.  

A press release from DHS stated on the case of the "grandfather," Luis Leon, 82, "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) set the record straight on misleading and false reporting that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 'secretly deported' a so-called 'Allentown grandfather' to Guatemala. Additionally, reporting claimed he 'died' in ICE custody."

DHS cited a report from The Morning Call, which was titled, "Allentown grandfather's family was told he died in ICE custody. Then they learned he's alive—in a hospital in Guatemala, they say."

The report cited comments from family members who claimed that Leon was thought to be dead by the family and "disappeared without a trace into the American immigration system" about a month ago. 

The family claimed that the 82-year-old had been handcuffed and taken away by ICE in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. DHS said in the release that the claim was "completely false," and that "there is no record of the man appearing at any green card appointment in or around the area of Philadelphia on June 20, 2025."

Reporters at The Morning Call also cited claims from the family that Leon had been deported to Guatemala and was in a hospital. 

DHS stated on this claim that reporting from the AP said that the "Guatemalan Institute of Migration—which coordinates with ICE on all deportations from the U.S. to Guatemala—claims they have not received anyone matching the name, age or nationality of Luis Leon back into Guatemala."

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, “ICE never arrested or deported Luis Leon to Guatemala. Nor does ICE ‘disappear’ people—this is a categorical lie being peddled to demonize ICE agents who are already facing an 830% increase in assaults against them. This was a hoax peddled by the media who rushed to press without pausing to corroborate the facts with DHS. This was journalistic malpractice."

The report from The Morning Call spread to The Guardian, which ran the headline "ICE secretly deported Pennsylvania grandfather, 82, after he lost green card."

Newsweek ran with the headline, "ICE Deported 82-Year-Old Grandfather After He Lost Green Card," but has since updated it to read, "DHS Denies 82-Year-Old Grandfather Was Deported After He Lost Green Card."

According to recent reporting from The Morning Call, after DHS' statement on the matter, the granddaughter of Leon claimed that she was visiting him down in the Guatemala hospital despite the country's immigration program having no record of him. The family has also said they no longer want to talk to the media and have asked for privacy over the case.