Immigration officials told GV Wire that Maria Villanueva Caballero, whom several Central Valley lawmakers are seeking to release from ICE custody, has illegally entered the United States six times over the past 25 years.

On Friday, Oct. 17, at the federal courthouse in downtown Fresno, dozens gathered to support Maria Villanueva Caballero, a Firebaugh mother and plant worker, being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities.

She was detained while attending a meeting to seek legal status at ICE’s downtown Fresno office on Oct. 8.

“Maria Villanueva Caballero is an illegal alien who has shown complete disregard for federal law,” ICE said in a statement. “Despite being voluntarily removed five times, she has continued to violate our nation’s immigration laws, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the rule of law. She currently has no legal status that allows her to remain in the country and will remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.”

Caballero is being held at a detention facility in California City.

Lawmakers Advocate for Caballero’s Release

Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria, D-Fresno; state Sen. Anna Caballero, D-Merced (no relation to the woman in custody); and U.S. Reps. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, and Adam Gray, D-Merced, spoke on Caballero’s behalf.

Their remarks called Caballero’s detention “a betrayal of trust,” “un-American,” and an “outrage.” They called for federal immigration reform.

None of the lawmakers mentioned she allegedly entered the country illegally six times.

When asked by GV Wire whether Caballero had entered the country illegally around 2000, Soria said yes. “She was trying to go through the process, so she had put in a petition to legalize her status,” Soria said.

ICE said Caballero believes she should receive special treatment. “That is not the case,” ICE said in a statement. “ICE is steadfast in its constitutionally mandated mission to enforce immigration laws, identify and remove criminal aliens, and hold accountable those who violate our laws.”

After the story first published, Soria continued to defend Caballero.

“ICE’s statement leaves out the most important part of Maria Villanueva Caballero’s story. She is a mother of four, a long-time Central Valley resident, and a woman who has spent decades contributing to her community,” Soria said.

Soria said Caballero’s adult children are studying to become a doctor, veterinarian and lawyer. She also has one school-aged child.

“While she attempted to enter the U.S. several times in the past, our government ultimately paroled her in, allowing her to live and raise her family here,” Soria said. “She is not asking for special treatment.”

Soria called on the Trump administration to focus on dangerous criminals, not people like Caballero.

More than 7,600 people signed a Change.org petition calling for Caballero’s release.