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ICE detains mother and daughter at Florida hospital following car crash

Deputies questioned two Ecuadorian women involved in a vehicular accident before ICE issued detainers and placed them in custody.

The short version

  • Grace Stephanie Calero Cabanilla, 39, and her daughter Giulianna Mía Carriel Calero, 19, were detained after being hospitalized following a car crash in Poinciana, Florida.
  • A Polk County sheriff's deputy questioned the women about their immigration status during the crash investigation, leading to ICE issuing detainers.
  • Family members state the mother has a pending asylum claim and work permit, and that neither woman has a criminal record, which was corroborated by arrest warrant documentation.

Key facts

  • Grace Stephanie Calero Cabanilla and her daughter Giulianna Mía Carriel Calero were hospitalized at HCA Florida Poinciana hospital after a vehicle crash on August 20, 2026.[The Guardian]
  • The Polk County Sheriff's Office stated deputies questioned the driver during the crash investigation and found she had overstayed an expired visa from Ecuador.[The Guardian]
  • ICE issued detainers for both women, and they were taken to Polk County Jail upon hospital discharge.[The Guardian]
  • An arrest warrant reviewed by media outlets indicated that neither woman has a criminal history.[The Guardian]

What remains uncertain

  • A relative claimed the mother has an active asylum application and work permit, and the daughter holds a valid visa through 2030, but official confirmation on their current legal standing from immigration authorities has not been provided.[The Guardian]

Sources