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9-year-old asylum-seeker released from ICE detention to attend state spelling bee

Mar 25, 2026·Location: Las Cruces, NM

Country of origin: Colombia

9-year-old asylum-seeker released from ICE detention to attend state spelling bee
Photo via NBC News

Deiver Henao Jimenez, a 9-year-old asylum-seeker from Colombia, was detained with his parents at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas beginning in early March after a routine immigration check-in in New Mexico. His elementary school principal sent officials a letter describing him as a dedicated student with excellent attendance and high marks, and community activists pushed for his release so he could compete in New Mexico's state spelling bee after placing third in a regional Spanish spelling competition. Following a video call in which he pleaded with children's entertainer Ms. Rachel, and about a week after his attorney, Corey Sullivan Martin, filed for humanitarian parole, ICE released the family. Deiver is now eager to return to school and rejoin his gifted and talented classes.

Timeline

Mar 25, 2026—ICE releases family on humanitarian parole after Deiver pleads during video call with Ms. Rachel, enabling him to attend state spelling bee
Mar 1, 2026—Deiver Henao Jimenez and his parents detained at Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas following routine immigration check-in
Jan 24, 2026—Community activists post on social media calling for Deiver's release to allow him to attend school and participate in spelling bee
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