Mother and epileptic daughter handcuffed at Florida hospital after crash, later self-deport
Aug 25, 2026·Location: Orlando, FL
Country of origin: Ecuador

Grace Stephanie Calero Cabanilla, 39, and her 19-year-old daughter Giulianna Mía Carriel Calero, Ecuadorian nationals who fled Ecuador three years earlier due to death threats, were taken into ICE custody at HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital near Kissimmee after a highway rollover crash. Polk County Sheriff's Office deputies, operating under a 287(g) agreement with ICE, ran a database check during the crash investigation and said it revealed the women had overstayed their visas, prompting ICE detainers. Grace, still sedated and in a cervical collar, was handcuffed at her bedside, while Giulianna, who has epilepsy, suffered a seizure and was handcuffed in her hospital gown and led out in front of other patients and staff. Family members said agents did not identify themselves or produce a warrant, and the family's attorney said both women had pending asylum claims with valid work permits and visas, though the Sheriff's Office disputed this, said neither had a criminal or gang history, and stated no state charges were filed. Video of the arrest circulated widely, prompting a press conference from local immigrant advocates, while Sheriff Grady Judd said he approved of how deputies handled the arrests. Fearing for her daughter's health in detention, Grace signed voluntary departure paperwork and the pair returned to Ecuador.
Sources
- Two women detained on ICE orders after car crash
- ICE arrest mom, daughter at hospital after vehicle smashes into their car
Newsweek·Aug 24, 2026
- ICE arrests mother and daughter at Florida hospital after car crash
The Guardian·Aug 25, 2026
- Madre e hija detenidas en un hospital de Florida firman su autodeportación y ya viajan rumbo a Ecuador
Univision·Aug 25, 2026
- Mother and Daughter from Ecuador Arrested by ICE in Florida Hospital After Car Crash
cubaheadlines.com·Aug 22, 2026·archived copy
- ICE arresta en plena sala de emergencias a madre e hija ecuatorianas tras sobrevivir a aparatoso accidente en Florida
cibercuba.com·Aug 22, 2026·archived copy
- ICE arresta en un hospital de Florida a madre e hija ecuatorianas tras sobrevivir a un accidente
elnuevodiario.com.do·Aug 22, 2026·archived copy
- ⚡ Detienen a madre e hija ecuatorianas en hospital de Florida tras accidente
zasahora.com·Aug 22, 2026·archived copy
- ICE Detains Injured Ecuadorian Mother and Daughter From Florida Emergency Room After Surviving Car Crash
ibtimes.co.uk·Aug 23, 2026
- ICE Arrests, Handcuffs Sedated Ecuadorian Mother in Hospital Bed as Sensitive Location Protections End
latintimes.com·Aug 24, 2026
- enmnews.com
- Kissimmee mother, daughter self-deport to Ecuador after viral hospital arrest
WFTV·Aug 28, 2026
- Immigrant advocates demand accountability for ICE arrests at hospital
orlandoweekly.com·Sep 1, 2026
- Polk sheriff’s office clarifies no federal warrants existed in viral ICE hospital arrests
WFTV·Sep 4, 2026
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