Venezuelan doctor detained at Border Patrol checkpoint after TPS revocation, granted bond
Apr 2026·Location: Sarita, TX
Country of origin: Venezuela

Dr. Ezequiel Veliz, a Venezuelan physician working as a resident at UT Health Rio Grande Valley/Knapp Medical Center in Texas, was detained by Border Patrol at the Sarita checkpoint in April 2025 after his Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was revoked in October 2024. Veliz is married to a U.S. citizen, had a pending green card application, and was carrying required immigration documents at the time of detention. Following outcry from the medical community and intervention by U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a judge granted him bond during his immigration hearing, allowing his release from custody. Another Venezuelan colleague was also detained within the same week.
Timeline
Sources
- archynewsy.com
- archynewsy.com
- AMWA Statement on the Detention of Dr. Rubilez Bolivar - American Medical Women's Association
- Statement on the Detention of Dr. Rubeliz Bolivar
- McAllen ER doctor from Venezuela detained by federal immigration agents
valleycentral.com·Apr 14, 2026·archived copy
- Major update on South Texas doctor detained by ICE
mysanantonio.com·Apr 16, 2026·archived copy
- world-today-news.com
- Venezuelan-born doctor detained by Border Patrol set to be released, attorney says
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