Congresswoman Introduces "Orlin's Law" After Death of 3-Year-Old Boy- Middle School
- Michelle Tusubira
- Aug 2
- 2 min read
Following the death of a 3-year-old boy named Orlin Hernandez Reyes, Representative Pramila Jayapal has introduced a new bill in Congress called Orlin's Law. The proposed legislation seeks to reform how immigration agencies handle parents with young children.
According to Representative Jayapal, the bill was created after Orlin's mother was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and deported to Honduras. Legal records and her attorney state that she repeatedly requested to take her 3-year-old son with her. However, the request was denied, and Orlin remained in Florida in the care of a relative, who was later charged in connection with his death.
While ICE's acting director claimed that the mother chose to leave her child behind, court records and her legal team dispute that account, maintaining that she asked to keep her son with her throughout the entire process.
If passed by Congress, Orlin's Law would establish new guidelines for ICE officers regarding family detention and deportation:
Limits on Separation: Restricts ICE from separating parents or primary caregivers from their children unless there is clear evidence that the parent poses a serious threat to public safety.
Parental Decision-Making: Requires ICE to allow detained parents opportunities to make decisions regarding the care and custody of their children.
Family Unity During Removal: Ensures parents have the option to keep their families together and bring their children with them if they are deported.
Supporters argue the law is necessary to protect children's well-being and prevent similar tragedies in the future. As a bill introduced in the House of Representatives, Orlin's Law must be debated, voted on, and passed by both the House and the Senate before being sent to the president to be signed into law.
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