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10-year-old Elizabeth detained by ICE, transported 1,200 miles to Texas, released after judge blocks removal

Feb 6, 2026 · Minneapolis, MN, Ecuador

Elizabeth Zuna Caisaguano, a 10-year-old fourth-grader from Columbia Heights Public School District in suburban Minneapolis, was detained by ICE agents on January 6, 2026, along with her mother Rosa Elena Caisaguano Cajilema while being driven to her school bus stop. Agents told Elizabeth they would take her to school but instead transported both of them 1,200 miles to the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas. The family had fled Ecuador and sought asylum in 2020; their asylum application was denied in September 2025, but they had a pending appeal. Both developed illnesses during their month-long detention—Elizabeth with flu-like symptoms and her mother with hives—with limited medical care provided. At least six other children from the same school district were sent to the Dilley detention center over the following weeks as part of Operation Metro Surge. After a habeas corpus petition was filed, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery ruled on February 2 that they could not be deported while their case proceeds. Elizabeth and her mother were released on February 3 and returned to Minnesota with their asylum appeal remaining pending.

Timeline

Jan 6, 2026Elizabeth Caisaguano and her mother Rosa Elena detained by ICE agents while being driven to school in suburban Minneapolis; transported 1,200 miles to South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas
Sep 2025Family's asylum application denied and removal order issued; family filed appeal
Jan 6, 2026Elizabeth and her mother detained at South Texas Family Residential Center for approximately one month; both developed illnesses with limited medical care provided
Feb 3, 2026Elizabeth and her mother released from detention and returned to Minnesota; asylum appeal remains pending
Feb 2, 2026U.S. District Judge Fred Biery issued ruling blocking deportation, finding they could not be removed while their case proceeds

Sources

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