Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin insisted Diaz Morales "is not a U.S. citizen" and claimed "she did not provide a valid U.S. birth certificate or any evidence in support of her claim that she is a U.S. citizen."
McLaughlin also said Diaz Morales was questioned by border patrol in 2023 near the Arizona-Mexico border and told authorities then that she was a Mexican citizen.
She also responded to Slatton's claims that she could not get in touch with her client.
"Any allegation that ICE does not allow detainees to contact legal assistance is false," McLaughlin told WJZ. "All detainees have access to phones to communicate with lawyers."