Copyright The Oregonian
Jackie Merlos, a Portland resident who was detained by immigration authorities for four months, has been released from the immigration detention center in Tacoma and will be able to reunite with her children, members of Oregon’s congressional delegation announced late Monday. U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, D-Oregon, who raised public awareness about the family’s initial detention, continued to push for Merlos’ release throughout her detainment. In a statement, Dexter, along with U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, Sen. Jeff Merkley, and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Oregon, said Merlos’ release came hours after she announced a federal court filing on Merlos’ behalf, challenging the legality of her continued detention. “Jackie’s freedom is proof that the power of the people is greater than the people in power,” Dexter said in the statement. “Oregonians refused to be silent, and because of that, Jackie is free and will be home with her children. This is a moment for celebration, but it’s also a painful reminder that justice was long delayed and actively undermined by the federal government.” Merlos was arrested in late June at Peace Arch Historical State Park in Blaine, Washington, on the Canadian border while meeting with family. Her four U.S. citizen children, and her mother, who was visiting from Honduras with a travel visa, also were detained. Her husband, Carlos Merlos, was arrested in Portland a few days later and deported to Honduras earlier this month. Federal authorities initially leveled “alien smuggling” allegations against Jackie Merlos, but later said they dropped them and failed to provide an explanation for Merlos’ continued detention in Tacoma. Her four children were released in mid-July to family friends in Portland. Mimi Lettunich and Kris Wiggerhave been caring for the 9-year-old triplets and their 7-year-old brother. Jackie Merlos’ mother was released in late September. “I’m so grateful to have my freedom today,” Jackie Merlos said in the statement. “So many people have been by my side in this long journey. I’m so appreciative. I can’t wait to hug my babies. And then I will get to work for others like me.” Lettunich said Monday was an important day. “We picked up our dear friend after four months of cruelty and wrongful detention,” she said in the statement. “Tenacity, heart and justice prevailed over the Trump administration’s egregious immigration policies.” Lettunich said it took a fight to get Jackie Merlos released. “It took countless lawyers, members of Congress, national advocacy groups, friends and family from all political affiliations to make this possible,” she said. “We look forward to celebrating Jackie’s release and using this example as momentum to fight for others. We’ve only just begun.”
