Overview
- Canada denied the family’s asylum claim on Nov. 12 and returned them to the Champlain, N.Y., port of entry, where CBP took custody and transferred them to Texas.
- ICE records list mother Carine Balenda Mbizi at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, with older daughter Olivia also in custody; juveniles Joel and Estefania do not appear on the public tracker.
- Portland Public Schools confirmed two high school students are suddenly absent and called the situation traumatic, noting staff and mental health supports are in place.
- Rep. Chellie Pingree’s office said ICE was not involved in the initial arrest, and CBP executed the custody transfer; officials also note no family member has current or pending USCIS status.
- Community groups and congregants organized fundraising and advocacy, a GoFundMe surpassed $27,000 for legal costs, and Project Relief Maine reported the family secured legal counsel on Tuesday.