Congresswoman Introduces "Orlin's Law" After Death of 3-Year-Old Boy- High School
- Michelle Tusubira
- Aug 2
- 1 min read
A new bill called Orlin's Law has been introduced in Congress after the death of 3-year-old Orlin Hernandez Reyes.
According to Representative Pramila Jayapal, Orlin's mother was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and deported to Honduras. She says she repeatedly asked ICE to let her take Orlin with her, but the request was denied. Orlin stayed in Florida with a relative, who was later charged with killing him.
After Orlin's death, ICE's acting director said that his mother had abandoned him. However, her attorney and court records dispute that claim, saying she asked to remain with her son throughout the process.
In response, Representative Jayapal introduced Orlin's Law, which would limit ICE from separating parents from their children unless there is clear evidence that the parent poses a serious public safety risk. The bill would also require ICE to give detained parents more opportunities to make decisions about their children's care and, if they choose, to keep families together during deportation.
Supporters of the bill say it could help prevent similar tragedies by keeping families together whenever possible. As with any bill introduced in Congress, Orlin's Law must pass both the House and Senate and be signed by the president before it can become law.
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