Oregon Family Held Weeks at Border Facility

An Oregon family, including mother Kenia Jackeline Merlos and her four U.S. citizen children, has been detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the U.S.-Canada border for nearly two weeks, allegedly violating the agency's 72-hour detention policy. The family was arrested at Peace Arch Park during a visit to see relatives, and Merlos's husband was later detained at a separate ICE facility. Critics, including Rep. Maxine Dexter and other supporters, have condemned the family's prolonged detention, the lack of access to legal counsel, and the difficulty authorities and advocates have had in locating the family, calling the situation 'unprecedented' and an example of 'authoritarian abuses.' CBP alleges Merlos attempted to smuggle illegal aliens and requested her children remain with her, but her legal team and family deny these claims. The detention has intensified concerns about due process and the treatment of U.S. citizens by immigration authorities, drawing inquiries from multiple members of Congress. Advocacy groups and friends describe the family as long-standing, valued members of the Portland community.