Rubeliz B.B.: Venezuelan doctor with valid work permit held a month by ICE
Dr. Rubeliz Bolívar Barrios, 33, a physician with a valid work permit through 2030, was freed on bail after over a month in detention following her arrest at an airport despite valid documents.
Mar 2026McAllen, TXCountry of origin: Venezuela
Dr. Rubeliz Bolívar Barrios was released on bail after a judge ordered her release following over a month of detention at El Valle Detention Center. The 33-year-old physician, who held a valid work permit through 2030 and was working as a medical resident, was arrested at McAllen International Airport in April 2026 despite presenting valid documentation. Her legal team will continue to appeal the visa violation allegations that led to her detention. Her 5-year-old daughter, a U.S. citizen, was released after nearly 19 hours in custody.
Tags
Sources
- Venezuelan Doctor Released From ICE Detention After Over A Month In Custody
FOX RGV·May 14, 2026·archived copy
- 'Very thankful:' McAllen doctor from Venezuela released from immigration custody
- ICE liberó a Rubeliz Bolívar, la médico venezolana que fue detenida junto a su hija de cinco años hace un mes
Caraota Digital·May 13, 2026·archived copy
- Dr. Rubeliz Bolivar Barrios to be Released from Federal Detention
Show 1 more source ↓Show fewer sources ↑
Loading…
More incidents in Texas
- ICE agent points pistol at workers during Texas workplace raidOct 21, 2026 · Brownsville, TX
- Mother detained by ICE, leaving two young daughters alone in ConroeOct 21, 2026 · Conroe, TX
- Houston homebuilder fatally shot by ICE agent in case of mistaken identityOct 21, 2026 · Houston, TX
- Gerald A.: Shackled man alleges guards fractured his wrist and spineOct 17, 2026 · Fort Bliss, TX
- Samuel: 19-year-old Venezuelan man alleges officers broke his tooth and crushed his testiclesOct 17, 2026 · Fort Bliss, TX
- Abel: Cuban man says guards beat him when he refused transfer to MexicoOct 17, 2026 · Fort Bliss, TX