Controversy Surrounds Arrest of Marine's Father Amid Immigration Policy

Sat Oct 18 2025 08:16:34 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The arrest of Esteban Rios, father of a U.S. Marine, raises questions about immigration enforcement practices as details of his criminal background emerge.

Esteban Rios was detained by immigration authorities after visiting his son at Camp Pendleton, revealing a complex legal history. While the Department of Homeland Security disclosed charges of domestic violence and aggravated assault against Rios, his son argues that his parents have no criminal record and have been working toward legal residency. This situation ignites debate on immigration policies under the Trump administration as officials reaffirm their stance against 'criminal illegal aliens.'

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The father of a Marine, Esteban Rios, has made headlines after being arrested by immigration authorities while visiting his pregnant daughter at Camp Pendleton. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Rios has a criminal record that includes domestic violence and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Rios was first deported to Mexico in 1999 and faced another removal in 2005. He was ordered deported by an immigration judge in 2020 after re-entering the U.S. illegally. The situation escalated when his son, Marine Steve Rios, recounted that his father was detained during a visit to the military base, then released with an ankle monitor, only to be detained again after reporting to an ICE office.

Initially, the Department of Homeland Security refused to provide specific details on Esteban Rios's criminal background, prompting criticism from the Associated Press over transparency issues. After media inquiries, the DHS offered a detailed account, accusing the AP of obscuring facts, despite no prior disclosures from the agency.

Steve Rios, who enlisted in the Marines to honor his parents’ sacrifices, expressed his frustration over the handling of his family’s situation, emphasizing their hard work and dedication to legal residency in the U.S. Esteban and his wife reportedly had pending green card applications sponsored by their son, allowing them to work legally.

On the day of the incident, Steve and his family were reportedly at the base to pick up his sister and her Marine husband. Esteban Rios was ultimately deported on October 10, leading to a fierce debate regarding immigration enforcement priorities, especially under the policies associated with the Trump administration, which have taken a hard line against individuals with any criminal history.

In response to inquiries from the press, a spokesperson for the DHS stated, “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, if you break the law — including domestic violence and aggravated assault — you will face the consequences.” However, specifics regarding Esteban Rios's arrest or any pending charges were not clarified.