The Latest: US reverses stance on deportee’s status

SAN DIEGO – The Latest on the deportation of a man who supporters say could be the first person deported while enrolled in a program to shield immigrants who came to the U.S. as young children. (all times local):

11 a.m.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has reversed itself on the status of a man who supporters say could be the first person deported while enrolled in a program to shield immigrants who came to the U.S. as young children.

The department said Wednesday that 23-year-old Juan Manuel Montes qualified for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program until January 2018.

A day earlier, it said his eligibility had expired in August 2015.

Still, the department defended its handling of Montes’ deportation in February from California, saying he left the country without permission from authorities despite a requirement to do so.