Long Island Girl, 4-Year-Old US Citizen, Deported
BRENTWOOD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A 4-year-old Long Island girl was caught in an immigration quagmire.
The family said Emily Samantha Ruiz was deported after her grandfather was detained by authorities when their flight was diverted to Washington following a visit to Guatemala. Emily's a U.S. citizen. Her parents are illegal immigrants living in Brentwood.
Family attorney David Sperling said Emily's grandfather had a work visa but was taken into custody when officials noticed he had entered illegally in the 1990s.
Authorities told the family Emily could be held at a juvenile center in Virginia or return to Guatemala. The two went back.
Customs and Border Protection officials confirmed Emily was sent back to Guatemala but declined further comment.
Emily's parents risk being detained if they go get her. Sperling plans to pick her up.
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