Overview
- Sen. Ron Wyden, Sen. Jeff Merkley, Rep. Maxine Dexter and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici sent a letter to ICE Seattle Field Officer Cammilla Wamsley urging the immediate release of Kenia Jackeline “Jackie” Merlos.
- An immigration judge terminated Merlos’ removal proceedings on Oct. 16, yet she remains detained at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington.
- Court records show a July 14 order by U.S. District Judge Tana Lin found the family was serially moved and denied access to counsel after more than two weeks in CBP custody.
- Lawmakers cite CBP’s 72‑hour detention guideline and note Merlos’ four U.S.‑citizen children were held for over two weeks before being released, while her husband, Carlos, was later deported.
- KOIN reports ICE has not answered media or congressional inquiries during the federal shutdown, as Oregon officials highlight other disputed detentions, including the case of Victor Cruz.