Mother and Four U.S.‑Born Children Detained at Canadian Border

ICE and CBP Held Family in Border Facility for Over Two Weeks Before Court Intervention

Portland, OR — A Honduran mother, Kenia Jackeline “Jackie” Merlos, along with her four U.S.‑born children (nine‑year‑old triplets and a seven‑year‑old), were detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on June 28 at Peace Arch State Park, Washington—while visiting family—then held for more than two weeks in a facility designed only for short‑term custody .

ICE later apprehended Jackie’s husband, Carlos Merlos, at their Portland home; he remains in custody at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma.

During detention, the children were reportedly issued passports and prepared for deportation, prompting concerns that they could be removed despite their citizenship.

Judicial and Congressional Responses

U.S. District Judge Tana Lin, based in Western Washington, has issued a temporary halt to any removal proceedings for the family and ordered further investigation into potential policy violations, including denial of access to legal counsel.

Representative Maxine Dexter (D‑OR), who visited the facility, strongly criticized the prolonged detention of U.S. citizen children, describing it as “unprecedented,” and called the event a “devastating immigration nightmare” .

Family Advocates Raise Alarms

• Jill Nedved, immigration attorney for the Merlos family, highlighted disturbing procedural gaps, including lack of legal counsel and unclear charges, as the family awaits clarity.

• CBP labeled the incident an alleged “attempt to smuggle illegal aliens,” citing the presence of Merlos’s children during the border entry, though no formal criminal charges have been filed.

• Civil liberties groups and political leaders have demanded transparency over the case and accused the administration of targeting U.S. citizens without cause. One advocate stated:

  “This is what authoritarianism looks like. Citizen children abducted. Community members disappeared.”.

What’s Next

• The Merlos family remains detained pending the upcoming court hearing and a federal decision regarding their detention and access to counsel.

• Congressional oversight is expected, with Rep. Dexter urging swift resolution. Meanwhile, legal advocacy groups continue to push for full transparency and adherence to immigration laws protecting citizen rights.