BRADENTON -- A former finalist on American Idol is now involved in a child custody battle.
Syesha Mercado says the Florida Department of Children and Families took her son Amen'Ra, now 18 months old, when she brought him to a hospital in March for dehydration. Then
authorities removed her newborn daughter last week at a traffic stop, recorded on a now-viral video.
"I didn't get to see 'Ra say mama for the first time, and I didn't get to see my babies meet for the first time," Mercado said.
Mercado and her partner Tyron Deneer believe they're being targeted for their race and their vegan lifestyle.
The Manatee Sheriff's Office told WFLA-TV they acted on a report that the son was malnourished and failing to thrive.
Mercado and Deneer have assembled a high-profile legal team that includes civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump.
Mercado finished third in the seventh season of American Idol (2008).
Photo: Getty Images (2011)