ICE enforcement actions against Ecuadorian nationals

Recent enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have targeted Ecuadorian nationals and undocumented immigrants across several regions.

In Arizona, ICE agents arrested Diana Vera Espinoza at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Although she was traveling with her U.S. citizen husband and attempting to regularize her status through marriage, officials cited an existing detention order. This incident follows a policy shift by the Department of Homeland Security to implement stricter reviews at airport terminals.

In Florida, ICE detained Ecuadorian mother and daughter Grace Stephanie Calero and Giuliana Carriel Calero while they were receiving medical treatment at HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital for injuries from a traffic accident. While local authorities stated the women were detained because their visas had expired, family members claim they hold valid documents and are in the midst of pending asylum processes, expressing concern over their ability to access continued medical care while in custody.

Additionally, a two-week initiative in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas, known as ‘Operation Safe Community,’ resulted in the arrest of 1,328 undocumented immigrants between August 1 and August 14. The Department of Homeland Security reported that approximately 400 of those apprehended had prior criminal convictions, including charges for murder, robbery, and sexual assault. Officials noted the operation specifically targeted individuals in areas with sanctuary-style policies.