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9-year-old asylum-seeker released from ICE detention to attend state spelling bee

Mar 25, 2026 · Las Cruces, NM, Colombia

9-year-old asylum-seeker released from ICE detention to attend state spelling bee

Deiver Henao Jimenez, a 9-year-old asylum-seeker from Colombia, was detained at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas with his parents beginning in early March after a routine immigration check-in. Community activists launched advocacy efforts calling for his release so he could return to school and compete in his state spelling bee. After pleading during a video call with children's entertainer Ms. Rachel, ICE released the family on humanitarian parole in late March, allowing Deiver to attend the competition.

Timeline

Mar 25, 2026ICE releases family on humanitarian parole after Deiver pleads during video call with Ms. Rachel, enabling him to attend state spelling bee
Mar 1, 2026Deiver Henao Jimenez and his parents detained at Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas following routine immigration check-in
Jan 24, 2026Community activists post on social media calling for Deiver's release to allow him to attend school and participate in spelling bee

Sources

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