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Kenia M.: Mother of four U.S. citizens held four months by ICE

Kenia Merlos, a Honduran mother of four U.S. citizen children, was detained at the U.S.-Canada border in June and held nearly four months in Tacoma. A judge ended her deportation case, and she was freed October 28.

Nov 3, 2025Tacoma, WACountry of origin: Honduras

Kenia M.: Mother of four U.S. citizens held four months by ICE
Photo via OPB

Kenia Jackeline Merlos, a Honduran mother of four U.S. citizen children, was arrested by ICE agents in June at the U.S.-Canada border during a family outing. She had been granted deferred status to reside in the U.S. after being threatened at gunpoint by a man. Merlos was detained at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma for nearly four months. An immigration judge terminated the government's deportation case on October 14, and Merlos was released on October 28. Her husband was deported to Honduras, and her mother also resides there.

Timeline

Oct 28, 2025—Merlos released from Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma after nearly four months in detention
Oct 14, 2025—Immigration judge terminated government's deportation case against Merlos
Jun 2025—Kenia Jackeline Merlos arrested by ICE agents at U.S.-Canada border during family outing with her four U.S.-born children
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