Family detained taking child to hospital highlights complex US immigration policy. Federal agents arrested a Venezuelan family of three. This happened on January 16, 2026. They were on their way to a Portland, Oregon hospital. Their 7-year-old daughter needed medical care. She had a severe nosebleed. US Border Patrol agents made the arrest. This incident sparked outrage. It also raised questions about immigration enforcement.
Background of the Incident
Yohendry de Jesús Crespo Álvarez and Darianny Liseth González de Crespo are the parents. They are from Venezuela. They arrived in the U.S. in November 2024. The family was seeking asylum. They had an active asylum case. Their court date was in 2028. They had no known criminal history. The couple had moved to Oregon from Utah. They settled in Gresham, Oregon. They had recently moved into their own apartment. They were awaiting work permits. They arrived in the U.S. via the CBP One app. This app is used for scheduling appointments at ports of entry.
The Arrest
The family drove to Adventist Health Portland on the morning of January 16, 2026. They were seeking care for their daughter’s nosebleed. Three unmarked vehicles surrounded their car in the ER parking lot. Agents from these vehicles approached the family. They forced the parents out of the car. They handcuffed both parents. Their daughter began to cry. The parents pleaded for their daughter to receive medical attention. Agents denied these pleas. The family was detained despite their daughter’s medical need.
Detention and Transfer
After their arrest, the family was taken into custody. They were initially transported to a facility in Tacoma, Washington. Subsequently, they were flown to Texas. They are now being held at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas. This facility is run by ICE. The child developed a fever while in custody. A friend reported the child was seen by a doctor and is now stable. However, other reports state the child remains ill and has not received basic medical care. The detention center has faced criticism. It is accused of inadequate medical care and poor conditions. Detainees have reported issues with food.
Reactions and Context
The incident occurred near where a Border Patrol agent shot a Venezuelan couple earlier in January. This event has drawn criticism from officials and advocates. Oregon Congresswoman Maxine Dexter stated that safe spaces like hospitals should be protected. She noted that agents detained vulnerable people seeking help. Dexter expressed that these individuals are not criminals. She is working to secure the family’s release. Oregon state Representative Ricki Ruiz called the situation “horrific”. He emphasized the need for compassion for children in such situations. The Oregon Nurses Association labeled the arrest “alarming” and “shameful”. Adventist Health Portland stated that patient care remains its priority. The hospital confirmed no law enforcement agency coordinated with them.
Government Response
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed the arrest. They stated the parents illegally entered the U.S. in 2024. They used the CBP One app. The spokesperson noted that asylum applications do not prevent enforcement. They also stated that U.S. law requires detention for those illegally present claiming asylum, pending removal. Some reports suggest a shift in enforcement policy, with claims that the Trump administration would not ignore the rule of law.
Implications for Oregon
This incident is significant for Oregon. It marks one of the first confirmed detentions of an entire family unit in the state. Gresham has a significant immigrant population. Many residents are from Latin America. This event raises concerns about immigration enforcement practices. It also highlights the challenges faced by asylum seekers. The news from Portland, Oregon, has broader implications for immigrant communities nationwide.
Conclusion
The detention of the Crespo-González family while seeking medical care for their daughter raises serious concerns. It highlights the tension between immigration enforcement and humanitarian needs. Calls for greater transparency and compassion continue. The long-term implications for families seeking asylum remain a critical issue. This news underscores the ongoing debate surrounding U.S. immigration policy.
