Venezuelan Doctor Detained by Border Patrol, Misses Asylum Interview

Rubeliz Bolivar, MD, was arrested at the airport while trying to attend her husband's asylum interview, highlighting concerns over immigration crackdowns.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:34pm

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A realistic painting of a worn medical bag sitting alone on a wooden airport bench, the bag's surface reflecting the warm glow of sunlight streaming in from a nearby window and casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of isolation and uncertainty.The detention of a Venezuelan doctor trying to attend her husband's asylum interview exposes the human impact of the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies.Santa Maria Today

A Venezuelan doctor named Rubeliz Bolivar, MD, was detained by Border Patrol agents at the McAllen International Airport in Texas as she was preparing to fly to California to attend her husband's asylum interview. Bolivar, who worked in an underserved medical area, was arrested along with the couple's 5-year-old daughter, while her husband Milenko Faria attended the interview alone. Bolivar's arrest is part of the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies, which have led to the detention of other Venezuelan physicians in the region.

Why it matters

This case highlights the impact of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown on medical professionals and their families, raising concerns about the ability of asylum-seekers to access the legal system and the potential loss of much-needed healthcare providers in underserved communities.

The details

Bolivar, 33, was arrested by Border Patrol agents at the airport on Saturday as she was preparing to board a flight to join her husband for his asylum interview. She had been waiting more than 10 years for this interview. Bolivar, who worked in the emergency room of a hospital in McAllen, Texas, was the second Venezuelan physician arrested in the area within a week, following the detention of Ezequiel Veliz, MD, on April 6. Both Bolivar and Veliz had been living in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status, which the Trump administration terminated for Venezuela and other countries. Bolivar's husband, Milenko Faria, said the couple had been following all legal steps to obtain permanent residency.

  • On April 6, Ezequiel Veliz, MD, was detained by Border Patrol agents at a checkpoint in South Texas.
  • On Saturday, Rubeliz Bolivar, MD, was arrested by Border Patrol agents at McAllen International Airport as she was preparing to board a flight to join her husband for his asylum interview.

The players

Rubeliz Bolivar, MD

A 33-year-old Venezuelan emergency physician who was arrested by Border Patrol agents at the McAllen International Airport as she was preparing to attend her husband's asylum interview.

Milenko Faria

Rubeliz Bolivar's husband, who attended the asylum interview alone after his wife was detained.

Ezequiel Veliz, MD

Another Venezuelan physician who was detained by Border Patrol agents at a checkpoint in South Texas on April 6.

Victor Badell

The attorney for Ezequiel Veliz, who was able to secure his release on bond after about 10 days in detention.

Jodi Goodwin

An immigration attorney in South Texas who observed a change in policy regarding travel of individuals with pending applications before USCIS.

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What they’re saying

“She was always focused on the community, and when she was accepted, it was an immense joy. We have never done anything outside the law. We have done everything by following the steps in accordance with the law to obtain permanent residency.”

— Milenko Faria, Rubeliz Bolivar's husband

“It just became a very apparent trend where anyone that had some kind of application pending with USCIS, whether it was an adjustment of status or asylum, anything like that, they were going to be arrested.”

— Jodi Goodwin, Immigration attorney

What’s next

Rubeliz Bolivar remains in detention at the El Valle Detention Facility in Texas, and it is unclear when she will be released or able to attend her husband's asylum interview.

The takeaway

This case highlights the human toll of the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies, which have led to the detention of medical professionals and their families despite their efforts to follow legal channels for residency and asylum. It raises concerns about the ability of asylum-seekers to access the legal system and the potential loss of healthcare providers in underserved communities.