Key Takeaways
• Jackeline Merlos detained over two weeks in Washington, denied legal counsel until court order on July 14, 2025.
• Federal judge issued a temporary restraining order halting Merlos’s deportation and guaranteeing attorney access.
• Merlos’s four U.S. citizen children were released; she remains detained pending immigration hearings.
Jackeline Merlos, a Portland mother originally from Honduras, remains detained in Washington after a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order on July 14, 2025. The order blocks her deportation and requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to give her access to an immigration attorney. This urgent court action follows two weeks of detention for Merlos and her four U.S. citizen children, raising serious questions about due process and the treatment of immigrant families at the U.S.-Canada border.
Critical Events and Immediate Impact
On June 28, 2025, Jackeline Merlos and her children were stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Peace Arch Park, a well-known crossing point near the U.S.-Canada border. CBP accused Merlos of “attempting to smuggle illegal aliens into the U.S.,” a claim her legal team and supporters strongly deny. Despite these accusations, Merlos has not been charged with any crime. She has pending immigration documents and is seeking an alternative visa to remain in the United States 🇺🇸.
For about two weeks, Merlos and her children were held at a CBP facility in Ferndale, Washington. During this time, according to her attorney and supporters, they were denied access to legal counsel and contact with family members. This extended detention far exceeded the standard 72-hour limit set by CBP policy, drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers, advocates, and legal experts.
Federal Judge Steps In
The situation changed dramatically on July 14, 2025, when a federal judge in the Western District of Washington issued a temporary restraining order (TRO). This emergency order prevents the Department of Homeland Security from deporting Merlos and requires that she stay in Washington while her case is reviewed. The judge also ordered that Merlos must be given access to an immigration attorney, addressing the core due process concern raised by her legal team.
The TRO came after attorneys filed an urgent motion on July 13, arguing that Merlos had been denied her right to legal representation since her detention began. The court’s intervention highlights the importance of legal counsel in immigration cases, especially when families and children are involved.
Release of Children and Ongoing Detention
Following the court’s order, Merlos’s four children, all U.S. citizens, were released from custody. However, Merlos herself remains detained as her legal case moves forward. The children’s release has brought some relief to the family, but advocates stress that the separation and uncertainty have already caused significant harm.
Key Voices and Stakeholders
Rep. Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.) has been a strong advocate for the Merlos family. She called the detention “inhumane” and a violation of due process, pointing out the broader impact on U.S. citizen children and immigrant families. “No child should be separated from their parent without due process,” Rep. Dexter said in a public statement. She has urged federal agencies to review their practices and ensure that families are treated fairly.
Jill Nedved, the family’s immigration attorney, emphasized that Merlos has not been charged with any crime and that her immigration status is still being processed. “Jackeline Merlos is not a criminal. She is a mother seeking to resolve her immigration status and keep her family together,” Nedved stated.
CBP officials maintain that Merlos was given opportunities to contact people, but her legal team disputes this, saying she was denied access to an attorney for an extended period. This disagreement has fueled calls for greater oversight of CBP detention practices.
Policy Concerns and Broader Implications
The Merlos case has brought national attention to several key issues in U.S. immigration enforcement:
- Extended Detention: CBP standards generally prohibit holding individuals for more than 72 hours, yet Merlos and her children were detained for about two weeks. This raises questions about compliance with agency policy and federal law.
- Access to Legal Counsel: Denying access to an immigration attorney violates basic due process rights. Legal experts and advocates warn that such denials are not isolated incidents but part of a troubling pattern.
- Impact on Mixed-Status Families: The case highlights the challenges faced by families where some members are U.S. citizens and others are not. Children who are citizens can still be caught up in enforcement actions, leading to family separation and trauma.
- Oversight and Reform: Lawmakers and local officials, including the Port of Seattle Commission, have raised alarms about extended detentions and lack of transparency at CBP facilities. They are calling for investigations and legislative reforms to protect families and ensure access to legal counsel.
Legal Process and Next Steps
The legal process for Jackeline Merlos is ongoing. The temporary restraining order is just the first step. In the coming weeks, the court will hold further hearings to decide:
- Whether Merlos’s due process rights were violated
- If she should be allowed to remain in the United States 🇺🇸 with her children
- The status of her pending immigration documents and visa application
The outcome of this case could set important precedents for how detained families are treated and the rights of immigrants to access legal representation.
Expert Perspectives and Community Impact
Immigration attorneys and civil rights advocates see the Merlos case as a clear example of ongoing problems in the U.S. immigration system. “This is not just about one family,” said a spokesperson for the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. “It’s about making sure that everyone, regardless of their status, has the right to a fair process and legal help.”
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, cases like Merlos’s are becoming more common as immigration enforcement actions increase near border areas. The lack of access to attorneys and prolonged detentions put families at risk and can have long-lasting effects on children’s well-being.
Community groups and advocacy organizations are stepping in to provide support. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project are offering legal assistance and helping families understand their rights. These groups encourage anyone facing detention or family separation to seek help immediately.
Policy Background and Recent Trends
The Merlos case is not happening in isolation. In recent years, there has been growing concern about how U.S. Customs and Border Protection handles detentions, especially involving families and children. Reports from the Pacific Northwest and other regions show a pattern of extended detentions, limited access to legal counsel, and confusion about rights and procedures.
CBP’s own standards state that individuals should not be held in holding facilities for more than 72 hours. However, watchdog groups and lawmakers have documented cases where this limit is exceeded, sometimes by days or weeks. This has led to calls for stronger oversight and clearer rules to protect vulnerable families.
Lawmakers like Rep. Maxine Dexter are pushing for legislative changes to ensure that:
- Families are not separated without due process
- Detained individuals have prompt access to an immigration attorney
- CBP facilities follow strict time limits and humane treatment standards
What This Means for Immigrant Families
For families like the Merloses, the stakes are high. Detention and separation can cause deep emotional and psychological harm, especially for children. Even when children are U.S. citizens, they can be caught up in enforcement actions that disrupt their lives and threaten family unity.
Legal experts stress that access to an immigration attorney is essential for anyone facing detention or deportation. Without legal help, individuals may not understand their rights or the options available to them. This can lead to wrongful deportations, family separations, and other serious consequences.
How to Get Help and Know Your Rights
If you or someone you know is facing detention by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, it is important to:
- Request to speak with an immigration attorney immediately. You have the right to legal counsel, even if you cannot afford one.
- Contact advocacy groups such as the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project or the American Immigration Lawyers Association for assistance.
- Document all interactions with CBP officers and keep records of any paperwork or communications.
- Know the time limits for detention and ask for a copy of CBP’s standards if you are held for more than 72 hours.
For more information about your rights and available resources, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection official website.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next for Jackeline Merlos
As of July 16, 2025, Jackeline Merlos remains in detention in Washington, awaiting further court hearings. Her four children have been released, but the family’s future remains uncertain. The temporary restraining order will stay in place until the court makes a final decision about her case.
The outcome could have far-reaching effects, not only for the Merlos family but for other immigrant families facing similar challenges. If the court finds that Merlos’s rights were violated, it could lead to changes in how CBP handles detentions and ensures access to legal counsel.
Community Response and Calls for Reform
The Merlos case has sparked a wave of support from local officials, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens. Many are calling for:
- Independent investigations into CBP detention practices
- Stronger protections for U.S. citizen children in mixed-status families
- Clearer guidelines to ensure prompt access to an immigration attorney for all detainees
Local leaders in the Pacific Northwest, including the Port of Seattle Commission, have joined these calls, urging federal agencies to respect the rights of families and uphold the law.
Summary of Key Facts (as of July 16, 2025):
- Jackeline Merlos remains detained in Washington under a federal court order.
- Her four U.S. citizen children have been released from custody.
- The court has mandated access to legal counsel for Merlos.
- The case is ongoing, with significant attention from lawmakers, advocates, and the media.
Action Steps for Affected Families
If you are in a similar situation or know someone who is:
- Contact a qualified immigration attorney as soon as possible. Legal help can make a critical difference in your case.
- Reach out to advocacy organizations for support and information.
- Stay informed about your rights and the latest developments in immigration policy.
The case of Jackeline Merlos shows how important it is to protect the rights of families and ensure fair treatment for everyone, regardless of immigration status. As legal proceedings continue, many are watching closely to see what changes may come to U.S. immigration enforcement and the protection of due process rights.
For official updates and more information, individuals can refer to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington or contact the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. The outcome of this case may shape the future for many families facing similar challenges at the border and beyond.
Learn Today
Temporary Restraining Order → A court order halting an action, such as deportation, until further review by the court.
Customs and Border Protection → U.S. federal agency responsible for border enforcement and immigration control.
Due Process → Legal requirement ensuring fair treatment through the normal judicial system, including access to counsel.
Mixed-Status Families → Families with members having different immigration statuses, such as citizens and undocumented immigrants.
Immigration Attorney → A lawyer specializing in legal matters related to immigration and deportation proceedings.
This Article in a Nutshell
Jackeline Merlos faces detention in Washington after two weeks without an attorney. A federal judge ordered a temporary restraining order to stop her deportation and secure legal counsel access, highlighting due process concerns at the U.S.-Canada border for immigrant families amid ongoing immigration policy debates.
— By VisaVerge.com
