Castro Statement on Release of Emely Suaza and Dad from Dilley Trailer Prison

Castro Statement on Release of Emely Suaza and Dad from Dilley Trailer Prison

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement on the release of 16-year-old Emely Charloth Suaza Chambo and her dad, Fernando Suaza Ortiz from ICE detention:

"Emely Suaza and her dad have been released from the Dilley Trailer Prison! I am glad that she is back with her mom, little brothers, and the rest of her family.

"When ICE detained Emely on her way to church, they asked her dad to come pick her up. When he showed up, they locked him up too.

"Our congressional delegation met with Emely during our visit to Dilley last week. She was depressed and missed her family.

"They should've never been locked up, and we won't stop until every child is free."

Background:

On July 12, 2026, ICE detained Emely and her friend on their way to church. ICE asked her dad to come pick her up or she would be sent out of state. When he showed up, they detained him too.

Congressman Castro, joined by members of the Democratic Women's Caucus-Reps. Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), and Luz Rivas (CA-29)-met with Emely during their oversight visit to Dilley on July 28, 2026.