Minnesota Girl, 10, Released from ICE Custody After Month in Texas Detention
A ten-year-old girl from Minnesota, Elizabeth Caisaguano, and her mother have been released from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after spending a month detained at a facility in Dilley, Texas. School officials confirmed the release, which occurred on Tuesday night, marking the end of a distressing period for the family who have an active asylum case pending.
Detention Amid Active Asylum Proceedings
Elizabeth, a fourth-grade student, and her mother were taken into custody by federal agents on 6 January. They were among five students from the Columbia Heights school district to be detained by ICE in recent operations. The family, originally from Ecuador, had been complying with all legal requirements for their asylum application, making their detention particularly controversial. Their case highlights ongoing tensions in US immigration enforcement, especially concerning families with children.
Health Concerns at the Detention Centre
The Dilley facility, which houses families, is currently grappling with a measles outbreak, raising serious health and safety concerns for detainees. Federal officials have acknowledged the outbreak, adding urgency to calls for the release of vulnerable individuals like Elizabeth and her mother. The conditions at such centres continue to be a point of contention in immigration policy debates.
Legal Intervention and Judicial Response
On Monday, Federal Judge Fred Biery of the Texas Western District issued a significant order blocking the removal or transfer of Elizabeth and her mother. He gave the federal government five days to respond to the family's petition for release. In his remarks, Judge Biery expressed frustration, stating, "This didn't have to happen. They did everything they were supposed to do and still found themselves detained and separated." This judicial intervention was crucial in securing their freedom.
Broader Immigration Context
Meanwhile, Tom Homan, the White House border appointee, announced that about 700 federal agents would be withdrawn from Minnesota. This represents a substantial reduction in on-the-ground personnel, though approximately 2,000 agents will remain in the state—a figure still well above typical levels. This shift reflects broader adjustments in immigration enforcement strategies across the United States.
The release of Elizabeth and her mother brings relief to their community but underscores persistent issues in the US immigration system, particularly regarding the treatment of asylum-seeking families and children in detention.
