Arrest and Ongoing Detention
A 32-year-old nurse’s assistant and DACA recipient, Yenniffer England, remains in ICE custody at the El Valle Detention Facility in Raymondville, Texas, after her arrest on Feb. 16. Authorities say she was stopped by state troopers while driving with a suspended license, reportedly linked to an unpaid traffic ticket.
England has now spent nearly three months in detention and is scheduled for a final immigration hearing in Houston, where a judge will decide whether she can remain in the U.S. or be deported to Mexico.
Family and Community Speak Out
England’s family says her detention has caused emotional and financial strain. She is the primary provider for her two daughters, ages 12 and 14.
“This is tearing us apart,” her brother said, describing her as the “glue” holding the family together.
Supporters, including members of La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), gathered outside the detention center calling for her release, arguing she poses no threat to the community.
Legal Fight Ahead
Her attorney, Carlos Garcia, says England’s valid DACA status should protect her from deportation. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program allows certain undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children to live and work legally, with renewals required every two years.
Garcia confirmed that England, who moved to New York during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist hospitals, is “extremely scared” as she awaits the court’s decision. Her legal team is seeking cancellation of removal.
Broader Concerns Over ICE Detentions
Local officials and advocates say England’s case reflects growing concerns about immigration enforcement in the Rio Grande Valley, particularly involving essential workers.
Critics argue such detentions undermine trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, while supporters continue urging federal authorities to reconsider cases involving individuals with legal protections like DACA.
What Happens Next
The immigration judge could either grant relief or order England’s deportation. For now, her family and supporters remain hopeful as they await the outcome of Wednesday’s hearing.
For more on Trump’s anti-immigration enforcement and its effects, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.