Teenage Athlete's Dream Shattered: Student Deported from US to Guatemala Faces Tragedy and Resilience

In the United States, Nory experienced the normal rhythms of teenage life, enjoying a newfound sense of safety and freedom that had previously been unattainable. (Representational).

A promising 17-year-old senior student at Miguel Contreras Learning Complex in Los Angeles had her life dramatically altered when she and her mother were apprehended by US immigration officials and subsequently deported to Guatemala.

On June 30, 2025, Nory Sontay Ramos was exchanging text messages with her friend Michelle about their cross-country practice, displaying the enthusiasm typical of a young athlete at her peak. "u going to practice today," Michelle inquired. "Yes and u?" Nory responded with three emojis. "YESSSS OKAYYY ME TOO," Michelle enthusiastically replied, as reported by The New York Times.

Nory had undergone a remarkable personal evolution. Previously quiet and reserved, she had developed into a confident student who excelled in Algebra 2, participated actively in track and cross-country teams, and cultivated strong interests in art and fashion. "I thought, 'I'm about to be a senior and I have to just open up and enjoy every moment,'" Nory shared with the publication.

By the school year's conclusion, Nory had achieved impressive athletic accomplishments as a hurdler and secured the second-fastest cross-country time on her team. She envisioned the possibilities of her senior year and anticipated milestones like senior sunrise and sunset traditions, prom, and graduation.

However, shortly after texting Michelle, Nory informed her friend that she would miss practice due to an unexpected emergency appointment. Then all communication stopped. By July 4, she finally managed to send a message: "Idk if u can see this. We are in Guatemala. They deported us back. We didn't have any chance to fight our case," according to The New York Times.

This forced deportation compelled Nory and her mother, Estela Ramos Baten, to abandon the life they had carefully constructed in Los Angeles. Nory retained only vague memories of her early childhood in Momostenango, Guatemala, including a traumatic incident where gang members attacked her mother, who had fled with her in 2016 after enduring years of threats. Following detention at the Arizona border, they had been released to live with relatives in Los Angeles.

During their time in America, Nory had integrated seamlessly into typical teenage life. Her mother worked as a seamstress, and they experienced genuine security and liberty. "Here we've started a new life and are very happy, free from all the threats and the danger of being attacked or killed," Ramos Baten had stated in her asylum application, as reported by The New York Times. Unfortunately, Nory and her mother became casualties of a nationwide immigration crackdown.

After returning to Guatemala, their situation deteriorated tragically. Ramos Baten struggled with health complications exacerbated by stress. On September 8, she passed away.

Currently, Nory has received permission to re-enroll in her school's virtual academy. She remains committed to completing her education. A supportive community in Los Angeles, including teachers, friends, and family members, has mobilized to provide the resources necessary for her continued education. "I have to finish, just keep going," Nory affirmed.