Former American Idol contestant Syesha Mercado has been reunited with her son, who was in state custody for several months.  

RELATED: American Idol’s Syesha Mercado Battles Losing Custody of Kids 

Her family’s battle with child protective services began in winter 2021. When she got pregnant with her daughter, Mercado said she was having trouble producing breast milk to feed her young son Amen’Ra. After consulting doctors and specialists, she took him to the hospital for fluids. Officials with child protective services then removed Amen’Ra from her custody at the hospital because he was allegedly malnourished.   

RELATED: Syesha Mercado’s Newborn Daughter Returned, Son Remains in State Custody 

In August, her newborn daughter Ast was removed from her custody ten days after being born. Mercado and her partner Tyron Deener posted a video on Instagram showing police officers taking the child on the side of the highway after they were pulled over.  

Mercado and Deener spoke to BNC in August and said the removal of their children was an attack on their lifestyle.  

“Us being vegans, not consuming meat, not consuming dairy. None of these things are illegal,” Deener said. “We have no criminal background. We have no history with the Department of Children and Families. So, the way they started the investigation with Amen’Ra and continued all the way up to this point when they took our daughter Ast, they were attacking what we represent,” he said.   

Mercado now has both children back in her custody. She posted a video on Instagram Saturday sharing the news that the couple was reunited with their son and thanked those who helped raise awareness on the issue. Their battle is not completely over, as they must undergo months of home evaluation by the Department of Children and Families. 

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