A family from Mexico, living in Altona, has been deported back to their home country following vigorous efforts to allow them to stay.

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) ordered Miguel Aranza, his wife, Maria Espinoza, and their three children to leave the country Tuesday morning.

The family has been living in Altona since 2017 after crossing into Manitoba from Minnesota.

They filed for permanent resident status based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, and had documents and statements of support from their local employer, neighbours, school officials and church leaders in the community.

However, despite that support, CBSA decided that the family would have to be deported.

A number of last hour efforts were made to postpone the deportation.

A federal court judge was asked to allow the children to finish the school year in Altona.

The couple's lawyer filed a motion in federal court to delay it until their application on humanitarian and compassionate grounds could be heard. A request was also submitted asking the court to push back the deportation until June 30, 2019, to allow two of their children to finish school in Altona.

However, the court declined to hear the motion because it was filed within 24 hours of the deportation.

The family was told to be at the Winnipeg Airport by 5:30 a.m. to board a flight to Mexico City.

Local friends have made arrangements for someone to meet the family at the airport in Mexico City.

They are also helping the couple look for employment opportunities.