ICE Arrests Venezuelans With Valid Work Permits After Medical Appointment
A Venezuelan couple arrested by ICE entered the U.S. legally and has a pending asylum case. Their family now denounces lack of medical care.
Posted on 02/17/26 at 10:27
- ICE arrests Venezuelan asylum seekers with valid work permits
- Arrested after medical visit
- Family reports lack of medical attention
A Venezuelan couple arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) remains separated in different detention centers.
Both legally entered the United States in 2023, according to Univision.
According to their family, they complied with all immigration procedures. “It was a completely legal entry, stamped by an Immigration agent,” said Esvelis.
The family stated that both have valid work permits, a Texas ID, and a Social Security number.
Venezuelan Couple Arrested by ICE After Leaving Doctor’s Office
Couple held in ICE detention centers seeks medical help; woman could lose her leg https://t.co/g9gPrdHeNN
— N+ UNIVISION TAMPA BAY (@nmasunivTAMPA) February 14, 2026
However, on January 13, they were arrested while leaving a medical appointment.
“They showed her license, which is valid for five years, her work permit valid for five years, and the folder with original and copy of entry documents, asylum paperwork, fingerprints, everything they’ve done to prove they are legal and in process, because they have affirmative asylum,” said Douglas Camarillo, Esvelis’ father.
“The ICE officer’s response was, ‘I don’t care about that, you are detained,’ and they took her away,” he added.
Since then, the Venezuelan asylum seekers have remained in immigration custody, a case now drawing attention amid reports of the ICE arrest.
Urgent Medical Condition Without Proper Treatment
When they were leaving a doctor’s appointment, both were surrounded and arrested by ICE. Now they urgently need medical help: 👉 https://t.co/6esFb5lWD5 pic.twitter.com/beHWMIeDq5
— N+ UNIVISION SACRAMENTO (@nmasunivSAC) February 14, 2026
The medical appointment they attended was urgent — not routine. One of Esvelis’ legs is reportedly at risk.
“She couldn’t move her leg; the blood isn’t circulating,” one of her daughters told N+ Univision 41.
She explained that Esvelis suffers from vein blockages.
“She has obstructions in the veins of her legs, and if they can’t find a pulse, it’s because the blood isn’t flowing,” she added.
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The family claims she has not received proper medical treatment at the ICE detention center.
“She hasn’t received any kind of treatment, just ibuprofen,” one of her daughters said.
They insist the situation is critical. “It’s urgent — she could literally lose her leg,” she stated.
Concern continues to grow as days pass, and the family is demanding immediate medical attention.
Held in Separate ICE Detention Centers
Jesús is being held at the ICE detention center in Pearsall, Texas. Esvelis remains at the Karnes detention center.
The separation has deepened the family’s anguish. In addition to concerns over her health, there are also complaints regarding his treatment.
Jesús spoke by phone from Pearsall.
“There has been food with worms here; the peas and broccoli had worms,” he said.
Complaints From Inside ICE Detention Centers
The family says both are experiencing health problems and insist that neither is receiving proper care.
Their request is clear: they want both to receive adequate medical treatment.
The couple remains detained. Their relatives maintain that they entered the country legally and are in the process of seeking affirmative asylum.
Meanwhile, the Venezuelan asylum seekers await answers regarding both their immigration status and their health, as the case of the ICE arrests continues to draw public attention.
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