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Douglas M.: Activist arrested by ICE at check-in, leaves U.S. citizen wife

Douglas Menjivar, 50, a Salvadoran activist married to a U.S. citizen who exposed abuse in detention, chose to leave for Spain rather than fight deportation after being detained at a routine check-in.

Jun 10, 2025Houston, TXCountry of origin: El Salvador

Douglas M.: Activist arrested by ICE at check-in, leaves U.S. citizen wife
Photo via Texas Observer

Douglas Menjivar, a 50-year-old Salvadoran immigrant and activist who exposed sexual assault in immigration detention, was arrested by ICE in June 2025 during a routine check-in despite being married to a U.S. citizen and having a reopened legal case. After being detained at Montgomery County ICE facility and struggling with mental health issues, Menjivar and his wife decided he would voluntarily depart to Spain rather than face deportation, leaving behind his wife who had lived in the U.S. her entire life.

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