Living as 3-year-old Kionii Haugen’s father is a dream come true for Bryce Haugen. “That’s my world, she is everything that keeps me going,” he shares, describing the experience as fulfilling and complete.
The young girl is currently at the heart of a custody dispute that started in Orange Beach and has since resulted in international kidnapping charges against her mother. Despite this, the Mexican government is resisting returning the child to U.S. authorities.
“My patience is running very thin,” Haugen said in an exclusive interview with WKRG.
Nearly two weeks back, Haugen explained that Haley Harris, Kionii’s mother, arrived unexpectedly while the household was asleep, took Kionii, and began packing her belongings. After this, Orange Beach Police were contacted.
“They considered it a civil matter, said Haugen. “We will let you say bye, and they have every right to drive off.”
A federal complaint outlines that Harris then transported Kionii to San Diego, California, where she had arranged for transportation to Mexico. Authorities claim this was a deliberate move to separate Bryce from his daughter.
“I’m not fine with any of this. I want my daughter back,” Haugen said.
With little information forthcoming, Haugen’s frustration is mounting. Federal officials anticipate that Kionii might be brought back to the U.S. sometime next week. For a father longing for his child, it cannot happen soon enough.
“It’s horrible, like you’re losing faith. Why isn’t my daughter here?” said Haugen.
Mexican authorities tell Haugen Kionii is in good health and safe.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt and Congressman Barry Moore have been contacted on the family’s behalf and said the state department is now involved.
