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Mother detained after school threat investigation, baby left with pastor

Jan 15, 2025 · Lakeland, FL, Honduras

Mother detained after school threat investigation, baby left with pastor

Doris Flores, a Honduran immigrant who entered the U.S. in 2023 and applied for asylum after being threatened in Honduras, was arrested by Polk County Sheriff's deputies in late January 2025 after they responded to a school threat report involving her 8-year-old daughter Briana. During the investigation, deputies discovered Flores and her fiancé had deportation orders and contacted ICE. Flores was detained, and her 4-month-old baby Briany was placed in the care of her pastor and his wife to avoid foster care. Flores had a deportation order issued in May 2025 for a missed asylum hearing that she said was due to computer issues.

Timeline

Mar 23, 2026ProPublica analysis of ICE enforcement data published, documenting Velasco's case among multiple deportations of migrants with U.S. citizen family ties and minimal criminal records
Feb 18, 2026Juan Chavez Velasco detained by ICE agents outside his home in Weslaco while delivering breast milk to his hospitalized 6-week-old daughter
Feb 18, 2026Velasco held at Texas detention center; DACA status expired during detention

Sources

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