Venezuelan doctor released on bail after month in ICE detention
Mar 2026·Location: McAllen, TX
Country of origin: Venezuela

Dr. Rubeliz Bolívar Barrios was released on bail after a judge ordered her release following over a month of detention at El Valle Detention Center. The 33-year-old physician, who held a valid work permit through 2030 and was working as a medical resident, was arrested at McAllen International Airport in April 2026 despite presenting valid documentation. Her legal team will continue to appeal the visa violation allegations that led to her detention. Her 5-year-old daughter, a U.S. citizen, was released after nearly 19 hours in custody.
Sources
- Venezuelan Doctor Released From ICE Detention After Over A Month In Custody | FOX RGV
foxrgv.tv·May 14, 2026·archived copy
- 'Very thankful:' McAllen doctor from Venezuela released from immigration custody
- ICE liberó a Rubeliz Bolívar, la médico venezolana que fue detenida junto a su hija de cinco años hace un mes
caraotadigital.net·May 13, 2026·archived copy
- Dr. Rubeliz Bolivar Barrios to be Released from Federal Detention
- world-today-news.com
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