New York, May 23 (RHC)-- Immigrant rights activists in the United States are condemning the deportation of Hector García Mendoza, a 30-year-old Mexican immigrant who sued Immigration and Customs Enforcement just last week. 

García Mendoza was part of a class-action lawsuit demanding the immediate release of all immigrants held at the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility in New Jersey, where prisoners and staff have tested positive for the coronavirus.  He was transferred to Texas on Tuesday and then deported to an undisclosed location in Mexico; his attorneys say they have not been able to find him. 

García Mendoza’s removal came despite a federal judge’s order blocking the deportation.  Advocates believe his expedited deportation is retaliation for the lawsuit against ICE.