Yes, you would expect the mom to do the right thing, go pick her up from the shelter and request escort to the border. The concerned relatives are welcome to send money to support them in Mexico and process paperwork for a legal crossing.

The only thing keeping this little girl separated from her mother is her mother's desire to stay hidden in the US while her special needs child recovers from surgery alone in a shelter. This is disgraceful behavior by a parent.

An American parent who left their child to government custody because she was hiding from the law would see a much different, very unsympathetic article about her parenting. And unlike the hypothetical American, this woman could freely walk in, retrieve her child, and go care for her in peace in Mexico. No, not as easy as using US government paid healthcare and special needs services in US schools. But had she applied to come in legally 10 years ago, she probably would be safely sponsored by relatives now.