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14-year-old Brazilian girl detained by ICE, released by federal judge after constitutional violations found

Mar 12, 2026 · Marlborough, MA, Brazil

14-year-old Brazilian girl detained by ICE, released by federal judge after constitutional violations found

A 14-year-old Brazilian national was detained by ICE agents in Marlborough, Massachusetts on March 10, 2026, during an operation targeting suspected gang members. She was transferred to a juvenile detention facility in New York without following proper legal procedures. A federal judge ordered her immediate release on March 12, 2026, finding the detention and out-of-state transfer violated constitutional protections and questioning why she was not turned over to state child welfare authorities instead. She was reunited with her aunt and uncle in Massachusetts but received a notice to appear in immigration court and now faces deportation to Brazil. Her attorney plans to challenge the deportation and petition for special immigrant juvenile status.

Timeline

Mar 12, 2026Federal judge ordered immediate release after finding detention and out-of-state transfer violated legal procedures and constitutional protections; girl reunited with aunt and uncle in Massachusetts
Mar 12, 2026Girl received notice to appear in immigration court; attorney began planning challenge to deportation and petition for special immigrant juvenile status
Mar 10, 202614-year-old Brazilian girl detained by ICE agents in Marlborough parking lot during operation targeting suspected gang members; transferred to juvenile detention facility in New York

Sources

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