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Maria M.: North Port woman held by ICE after traffic stop

Maria Martinez, a North Port High graduate with an associate's degree, was detained for driving without a license and now sits in a Texas facility fearing deportation.

May 21, 2025North Port, FLCountry of origin: Mexico

Maria M.: North Port woman held by ICE after traffic stop
Photo via My Suncoast

Maria Martinez, a North Port, Florida woman who graduated from North Port High School and earned an associate's degree in business administration, was arrested May 21 during a traffic stop for driving without a license. Local police referred her to ICE, and she was transferred first to Tampa, then Miami, and is now held in a detention facility in Texas. Martinez was brought to the U.S. from Mexico at age 12 by her parents. Her family held a rally in Sarasota asking for her release, and her attorney plans to request her release at an upcoming hearing, while her family fears she could be deported soon.

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