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Brazilian student detained 15 days after traffic stop, now suing ICE

Jun 20, 2025·Location: Grand Junction, CO

Country of origin: Brazil

Brazilian student detained 15 days after traffic stop, now suing ICE
Photo via Denver Post

Caroline Dias Goncalves, a 19-year-old University of Utah nursing student from Brazil, was detained by ICE on June 5, 2025, following a traffic stop by a Mesa County Sheriff's deputy on Interstate 70 near Fruita, Colorado. The deputy shared information about her in a group chat used for drug interdiction efforts, which ICE agents then used to target her for immigration enforcement. Goncalves, who immigrated to the U.S. at age 7 and has a pending asylum application, was held at an ICE facility in Aurora, Colorado for 15 days, where she reported receiving poor quality food and confusing schedules, and observed differential treatment based on English proficiency. She was released on bond on June 20, 2025, and became a named plaintiff in a class action lawsuit against ICE leadership.

Timeline

Jun 20, 2025—Released from custody on bond
Post-6/20/2025—Became named plaintiff in class action lawsuit against ICE leadership
Jun 5, 2025—Detained by ICE agents following traffic stop by Mesa County Sheriff's deputy on Interstate 70 near Fruita, Colorado; deputy had shared her information in a group chat used for drug interdiction efforts
Jun 5, 2025—Held at ICE facility in Aurora, Colorado for 15 days; reported receiving soggy food, confusing schedules, and observing differential treatment based on English proficiency
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