Norma Juarez
New Jersey teen Victoria Valdez, right, and her mom, Carina Veronica Valdez.
A New Jersey ninth grader made the toughest decision of her life Sunday she planned to stay behind while her mom was set to head to Kennedy Airport to be deported.
I told her that I cant get on the plane, said Carteret teen Victoria Valdez, choking back tears.
My mom doesnt want to but she doesnt want to face the bad outcome that could happen, said Valdez, who was born in Argentina.
Im really not going to risk leaving my life here, and going where I dont know anybody.
After Immigration and Customs Enforcement moved to deport both Victoria, 14 and her mom Carina Veronica Valdez, the elder Valdez signed an agreement called voluntary departure promising to leave.
Her mom bought tickets for the two of them to leave at 8 p.m. Sunday, to comply with ICEs deadline.
It isnt clear if she actually boarded the flight.
Victoria, who left Argentina for New Jersey when she was three, said Sunday afternoon she planned to stay behind with a relative.
Immigrant students continued to flood Twitter to urge the feds to allow both to stay.
ICE did not immediately return a request for comment.
When Victoria and her mom entered the country, Argentines did not need a visa to visit America. They were supposed to only stay for 90 days, but never left. The policy changed in 2002.
The family says Immigration and Customs Enforcement flagged them last December after mom Carina Veronica Valdez filed a restraining order against Victorias father. He has since been deported.
epearson@nydailynews.com
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