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An Ecuadorian mother and her daughter survived a spectacular car accident in Florida, but what happened afterward at the hospital sparked outrage and once again brought U.S. immigration policies under scrutiny: Agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained them and took them from the scene regardless of the injuries they had sustained.
The two detained women are Grace Calero Cabanilla, 39, and her daughter Giulianna Carriel Calero, 19, who were transported to a hospital after the car they were traveling in was struck by another vehicle and overturned.
While they were receiving medical care, local law enforcement officers went to the hospital and, subsequently, both were placed under ICE immigration custody. The moment was captured on video and the images quickly began to circulate on social media; the clip shows the moments of terror and tension they experienced inside the hospital.
It can also be seen that relatives complain to the authorities and ask for explanations while the women are separated and taken into custody. "Help, please," the young woman is heard saying as they take her mother away, whom they handcuffed and walked out of the place on foot.
What happened to the mother and daughter detained by ICE?
The accident occurred on August 20, 2026, in Florida. According to reports from U.S. media, the vehicle in which Grace and Giulianna were traveling was hit by another car, causing it to spin several times before ending up severely damaged. Both survived and were transported to the HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital, where they received medical attention.
However, during their stay at the hospital, county agents questioned them about their immigration status. According to family members, Grace had a pending asylum case and work authorization, while her daughter's immigration status was also under review.
Where are Grace and Giulianna now?
According to the BBC, they remained for four days in the Pinellas County jail and were later placed in the custody of ICE at a temporary detention center of the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division in the city of Tampa.
According to their relatives, both women expressed their desire for voluntary deportation and requested to return to Ecuador, so as not to be sent to an unknown country.
[Publicidad]