Beatriz Alvarado

Corpus Christi (Texas) Caller-Times

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A 10-year-old girl in Texas who has cerebral palsy has been released from federal custody, a family attorney confirmed Friday.

Attorney Alex Galvez confirmed Friday that Rosa Maria Hernandez has been released to her family.

Rosa Maria, who lacks legal immigration status, was facing deportation proceedings immediately after being medically discharged from Driscoll Children’s Hospital last week.

She has spent the last week at a shelter for unaccompanied minors in San Antonio.

Rosa Maria was en route to her family in Laredo on Friday, but her release is not the end of the situation, Galvez said.

More:ACLU sues feds over detainment of ailing 10-year-old girl

More:Child with cerebral palsy facing immigration detention after surgery

“She still has her day in (immigration) court,” Galvez said. “Only now she can fight her case with her mom and family by her side and she can receive the medical attention she needs.”

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families declined to comment on the specifics of the case.

Rosa Maria’s release comes on the heels of the American Civil Liberties Union filing suit against the federal government over her detainment. The civil rights organization argues Rosa Maria was being held in the custody in violation of her statutory and constitutional rights.

Rosa Maria was transported via ambulance from Laredo to Corpus Christi for gallbladder surgery Oct. 24. The ambulance was escorted by Customs and Border Protection agents from an immigration checkpoint in Freer. Federal agents waited outside her hospital room as she recovered from the surgery.

“Rosa Maria should not have been detained for even a second,” Andre Segura, legal director of the ACLU of Texas, said in a news release. “She was ripped from her family without authority by the federal government. We will continue to challenge the government to stop this kind of heartless and unlawful conduct.”

The story made national headlines and sparked outrage from several lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas.

“Finally, Rosa Maria has been released to her family where she belongs,” Castro said in a statement. “This young girl and her loved ones have been through a traumatizing ordeal. I wish them the best, and hope Rosa Maria’s health improves.

“While this is welcome news, Rosa Maria’s future remains uncertain. The Trump Administration has not made clear whether they will proceed with deportation proceedings against her. I continue to call for Rosa Maria’s case to be administratively closed.”

Follow Beatriz Alvarado on Twitter: @CallerBetty