Ecuadorian Mother and Daughter Involved in Florida Car Crash Detained in Hospital

An Ecuadorian mother and her daughter, who were hospitalized following a traffic accident in Poinciana, Florida, were detained by ICE agents after their immigration status was questioned.

Accident and Hospitalization Process

In the incident that occurred on August 20 in central Florida, 39-year-old Grace Stephanie Calero Cabanilla and her 19-year-old daughter, Giulianna Mía Carriel Calero, were involved in a traffic accident. According to Cabanilla's cousin, Jonathan Bravo, the mother and daughter were on their way to work when another vehicle hit them, causing their car to roll over four times, and they were taken to HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital with injuries.

Immigration Status and Detention Procedures

While receiving treatment at the hospital, the women were questioned about their immigration status by a Polk County sheriff's deputy, and it was claimed that their visas had expired and they were in the country unlawfully. Following this, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) units issued detainers for both women. After being discharged, the mother and daughter were detained and transferred to the Polk County Jail.

Statements from Family Member

The arrest warrants that emerged showed that neither woman had any criminal record. Family member Jonathan Bravo stated that mother Cabanilla has a pending asylum case and a work permit, while her daughter Giulianna has a visa valid until 2030.