ICE to Deport Mexican Woman Linked to ABC Daycare Tragedy That Left 49 Children Dead
Posted on08/14/25 at 15:35
- ABC Daycare co-owner detained
- Faces deportation proceedings
- Extradition requested from the U.S.
According to EFE, Sandra Lucía Téllez Nieves, co-owner of the ABC Daycare in Sonora, is undergoing deportation proceedings from the United States, the ICE has confirmed.
The 51-year-old Mexican national was detained on January 15 in Arizona by immigration authorities and remains in custody.
She is wanted in Mexico on charges of abuse of authority, homicide, and injuries due to negligence in connection with the 2009 fire.
Confirmation of her detention comes days after President Claudia Sheinbaum announced she would request her extradition.
Sandra Lucía Téllez Nieves’ Political Asylum Request and Background
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that Mexican national Sandra Lucía Téllez Nieves is in deportation proceedings. #ABC #deportation #USA #Daycare #ICE #Justice #Mexico #SandraLucía #Breaking https://t.co/zc1o96kTES
— Ángel Metropolitano (@angelmetropoli) August 13, 2025
Sheinbaum reported that the request follows information from victims’ parents that Téllez Nieves would seek political asylum in the U.S.
The woman is expected to argue that her life is at risk in Mexico, a claim that has drawn criticism from families and activists.
In 2016, she was sentenced to 28 years, 11 months, and 4 days, but after appeals and legal protections, the sentence was reduced to 5 years and 7 months.
An arrest warrant has been in effect against her since February 2022.
ABC Daycare Co-owner Detained: The Tragedy
On June 5, 2009, 49 children died in a fire at the ABC Daycare in Hermosillo, Sonora. The government of then–PAN president Felipe Calderón had subcontracted child care, turning a right into a business. pic.twitter.com/QhYAEsWAm6
— Canal 22 México (@Canal22) July 17, 2025
The fire on June 5, 2009, in Hermosillo left 49 children dead and more than 100 injured, many with lifelong consequences.
The blaze began in a state Finance Ministry warehouse and quickly spread to the IMSS-subsidized ABC daycare.
Emergency exits were blocked, and the building failed to meet basic safety standards.
Despite the magnitude of the tragedy, no one is currently serving a prison sentence for direct responsibility.
Incomplete Justice and Ongoing Remembrance
Every June 5, victims’ families march in Hermosillo under slogans such as “ABC Never Again” and “No Forgiveness, No Forgetting,” with moving tributes to the 49 children who died.
Bronze shoe anti-monuments have been erected as symbols of remembrance and a permanent demand for justice.
The June 5 Law, born from this citizen movement, strengthened regulations for subcontracted daycare centers and pushed for improved child safety measures.
More than 20 former officials have been implicated, but many have died, and others have not received a final sentence.
Diplomatic Coordination and Demand for Justice
President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Mexico will formally request Téllez Nieves’ extradition, given the risk that she is pursuing political asylum in the U.S.
The parents’ collective also emphasized that they were not officially notified of her detention, despite their ongoing activism for justice.
The deportation process in the U.S. could conclude soon, and if she returns to Mexico, Téllez Nieves will again face the pending charges.
Sixteen years after the tragedy, her return is seen as a new chance to address an open wound of impunity.
Next Steps in the Process
Sandra Lucía Téllez Nieves’ legal situation in the United States will depend on the outcome of the immigration procedure and coordination with Mexico.
If deportation takes place, she will have to face the charges still pending in Mexican territory.
Victims’ families maintain their demand that all responsible parties be brought to justice.
The Mexican government, for its part, asserts it will continue the necessary efforts to ensure the case does not go unpunished.