OREGON LAWMAKERS DEMAND ICE FREE PORTLAND MOTHER HELD AT NWIPC AFTER JUDGE TERMINATES REMOVAL

Oregon’s Rep. Maxine Dexter, Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici sent a letter urging ICE to release Jackie Merlos, a Portland mother detained at the Northwest ICE Processing Center despite an immigration judge terminating her removal case. Lawmakers note she has U-Deferred Action status, a valid work permit, and no criminal charges. The push comes amid municipal scrutiny of Portland ICE facilities for exceeding permitted detention limits, signaling rising oversight pressure in the Pacific Northwest.