Four children released from ICE facility in Ferndale, mother in federal custody in Tacoma

Four U. S. citizen children were released from an ICE facility in Ferndale after being detained with their mother, Kenia Jackeline Merlos, for over two weeks. Merlos, a Honduran national, is currently in federal custody at the NW Detention Center in Tacoma. Although Customs and Border Protection accused her of smuggling individuals across the border, Congressmembers emphasize that she has not been formally charged with any crime.

Following her arrest, Merlos's husband was detained in Portland and is also held in Tacoma. The family has lived in the U. S. for approximately 20 years and Merlos possesses a valid work permit. A family friend revealed that U.

S. Customs and Border Patrol contacted her to pick up the children from Sea-Tac Airport. In a significant legal development, a federal judge granted an emergency restraining order to prevent the family from being deported. This situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding immigration enforcement and the treatment of families within the U. S.