Dexter Announces Federal Court Action to Free Portland Mother from ICE Custody

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) announced that a lawyer for Jackie Merlos, a Portland mother held in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention without cause, has filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus. This actionchallenges the legality of Jackie Merlos' continued detention in federal court. 

"ICE's decision to continue holding Jackie Merlos, even after a judge terminated her case, is a reminder of the perverse incentives fueling Trump's for-profit immigration machine. Under him, there is almost no way out of immigration detention other than death or deportation," said Dexter. "I will use every tool at my disposal to prevent Jackie, or any one of my constituents, from enduring illegal prolonged detention or an illegal or coerced deportation. Today's legal action is a necessary step toward securing justice for Jackie and ensuring that ICE is held accountable for its inhumane and harmful practices."

Jackie Merlos is a Portland mother and small business owner who was disappeared and detained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with her four U.S. citizen childrenafter a visit to Peace Arch Park last summer. After learning of Jackie and her children's detention, Dexter personally drove to near the Northern border in Washington State to demand their release. Dexter worked with Senators Wyden and Merkley to secure an emergency court order halting her deportation, allowing her children to be released and Jackie access to legal counsel.   

Last month, Dexter spotlighted the Merlos family's story in a congressional shadow hearing titled Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trump's Assault Destroys U.S. Families and Communities.

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