Colombian Mother and Daughter Deported After 128 Days in ICE Detention

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A Colombian mother and her 9-year-old daughter were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for 128 days after being arrested at Miami International Airport on their way to a Disney World vacation. They were held at the Dilley, Texas detention center, where the daughter wrote a letter describing the poor conditions and her desire to return to Colombia. Despite the mother's pending residency process through marriage to a U.S. citizen, they were ultimately deported back to Colombia.

Why it matters

This case highlights the significant impact that immigration policies and detention systems can have on vulnerable families, particularly children. The prolonged detention and separation experienced by the mother and daughter underscore the emotional and psychological toll such experiences can take.

The details

According to the mother, María Alejandra Montoya, she and her 9-year-old daughter, María Antonia Guerra Montoya, were detained on October 2, 2025, at Miami International Airport. The daughter was initially held at the airport facilities, and about two hours later, both were taken into ICE custody. They were then sent to the Dilley, Texas detention center, where Montoya described spending over four months in an environment marked by confinement and the constant presence of children.

• On October 2, 2025, Montoya and her daughter were detained at Miami International Airport.
• They were held at the Dilley, Texas detention center for over four months.
• On February 6, 2026, mother and daughter were deported to Colombia.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The family's priority upon their return to Colombia is the emotional and psychological recovery, especially for the daughter.