Family from Oregon Returns Home After Detention in Texas
A 7-year-old girl and her parents, who were detained in Texas three weeks ago, are now en route to their home in Oregon. The family was held for 22 days, which is notably longer than the established federal policy that dictates children should not be held in immigration detention for more than 20 days. This policy is a result of a court settlement that has been in practice for several decades.
Response From Government Officials
Upon their release, a government representative expressed a mix of happiness and outrage. They were relieved that the family from Oregon was returning home, but also expressed anger towards the ongoing detention of many other children and families. The representative called the detention of children and families "immoral" and demanded for the elimination of family detention and the defunding of the immigration enforcement agency.
Family Background
The family, originally from Venezuela, had entered the U.S. legally in November 2024 and had a pending asylum petition. According to a close family friend, the family had moved to Oregon from Utah in late October. An examination of court records showed no criminal history for the family in Oregon or Utah.
Circumstances of Detention
The family was detained in front of an emergency department while seeking medical help for the daughter, who was suffering from a prolonged nosebleed. No information was provided about the reasons for the family's detention.
Efforts to Release the Family
A government representative traveled to Texas to check on the family and try to secure their release. The representative attempted to enter the detention center but was denied entry. Despite this, they returned the next day to continue advocating for the family.
Several supporters, including a state representative, were at the airport to welcome the family upon their arrival. The state representative had been closely following the family's situation and had been discussing it with other lawmakers. He expressed relief and gratitude upon hearing of their release.
Reaction to the Release
In a statement, the state representative said, "The freedom of a child and the unity of a family is what matters most." He added that no family should have to suffer the fear of not knowing whether their sick child will receive the necessary care. The representative also stated that the family's case had highlighted serious issues about the treatment of children in detention and the lack of transparency and accountability within detention facilities. He vowed to continue working towards ensuring humane care and dignity for all children and families.
Detention Center Conditions
The detention center where the family was held is the country's largest family detention center. It has been under lockdown due to a measles outbreak, halting all movement within the facility. The center currently holds more than 1,100 people and has been the subject of numerous reports and lawsuits detailing inadequate medical care, contaminated water, poor-quality food, severely limited educational opportunities, and significant psychological stress experienced by the children.
Previous Cases
The same detention center was the place of detention for a 5-year-old boy and his father, originally from Ecuador. The boy's photo wearing a bunny hat went viral, drawing national attention. They were released after 12 days of detention.
Advocacy for the Family
Since the family's detention, lawmakers from Oregon have been advocating for them. A social justice group also started a public campaign earlier this week, calling for the release of the 7-year-old girl and her parents.
A close family friend, who played a crucial role in making the family's case public, expressed a mixture of emotions upon hearing about their release. She described feeling excited, tearful, happy, and overjoyed.
A 7-year-old girl and her parents, who were detained in Texas three weeks ago, are now en route to their home in Oregon. The family was held for 22 days, which is notably longer than the established federal policy that dictates children should not be held in immigration detention for more than 20 days. This policy is a result of a court settlement that has been in practice for several decades.
Response From Government Officials
Upon their release, a government representative expressed a mix of happiness and outrage. They were relieved that the family from Oregon was returning home, but also expressed anger towards the ongoing detention of many other children and families. The representative called the detention of children and families "immoral" and demanded for the elimination of family detention and the defunding of the immigration enforcement agency.
Family Background
The family, originally from Venezuela, had entered the U.S. legally in November 2024 and had a pending asylum petition. According to a close family friend, the family had moved to Oregon from Utah in late October. An examination of court records showed no criminal history for the family in Oregon or Utah.
Circumstances of Detention
The family was detained in front of an emergency department while seeking medical help for the daughter, who was suffering from a prolonged nosebleed. No information was provided about the reasons for the family's detention.
Efforts to Release the Family
A government representative traveled to Texas to check on the family and try to secure their release. The representative attempted to enter the detention center but was denied entry. Despite this, they returned the next day to continue advocating for the family.
Several supporters, including a state representative, were at the airport to welcome the family upon their arrival. The state representative had been closely following the family's situation and had been discussing it with other lawmakers. He expressed relief and gratitude upon hearing of their release.
Reaction to the Release
In a statement, the state representative said, "The freedom of a child and the unity of a family is what matters most." He added that no family should have to suffer the fear of not knowing whether their sick child will receive the necessary care. The representative also stated that the family's case had highlighted serious issues about the treatment of children in detention and the lack of transparency and accountability within detention facilities. He vowed to continue working towards ensuring humane care and dignity for all children and families.
Detention Center Conditions
The detention center where the family was held is the country's largest family detention center. It has been under lockdown due to a measles outbreak, halting all movement within the facility. The center currently holds more than 1,100 people and has been the subject of numerous reports and lawsuits detailing inadequate medical care, contaminated water, poor-quality food, severely limited educational opportunities, and significant psychological stress experienced by the children.
Previous Cases
The same detention center was the place of detention for a 5-year-old boy and his father, originally from Ecuador. The boy's photo wearing a bunny hat went viral, drawing national attention. They were released after 12 days of detention.
Advocacy for the Family
Since the family's detention, lawmakers from Oregon have been advocating for them. A social justice group also started a public campaign earlier this week, calling for the release of the 7-year-old girl and her parents.
A close family friend, who played a crucial role in making the family's case public, expressed a mixture of emotions upon hearing about their release. She described feeling excited, tearful, happy, and overjoyed.