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Venezuelan doctor detained at Border Patrol checkpoint after TPS revocation, granted bond

Apr 2026 · Sarita, TX, Venezuela

Venezuelan doctor detained at Border Patrol checkpoint after TPS revocation, granted bond

Dr. Ezequiel Veliz, a Venezuelan physician working as a resident at UT Health Rio Grande Valley/Knapp Medical Center in Texas, was detained by Border Patrol at the Sarita checkpoint in April 2025 after his Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was revoked in October 2024. Veliz is married to a U.S. citizen, had a pending green card application, and was carrying required immigration documents at the time of detention. Following outcry from the medical community and intervention by U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a judge granted him bond during his immigration hearing, allowing his release from custody. Another Venezuelan colleague was also detained within the same week.

Timeline

Apr 6, 2025Dr. Veliz detained by Border Patrol at Sarita checkpoint; another Venezuelan colleague also detained within the same week
Apr 2025Immigration judge granted Dr. Veliz bond; medical community outcry and U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro intervention led to his release from custody
Oct 2024Dr. Veliz's Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was revoked

Sources

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