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Woman Claims Verbal Abuse by ICE Agents at Falfurrias Checkpoint During Legal Transit
Churchgoer with legal voucher detained and transferred to Valley Detention Center after paperwork not found in system.
Published March 22 2025
Woman Claims Verbal Abuse by ICE Agents at Falfurrias Checkpoint During Legal Transit
Legal Church Trip Turns Into Detention and Accusations of Mistreatment
A woman detained by immigration authorities at the Falfurrias checkpoint is alleging she was subjected to verbal abuse by ICE agents, raising questions about treatment of individuals with pending legal immigration status.
The incident occurred while Emma, whose last name was withheld for privacy reasons, and her husband Servando Saldivar were traveling to North Carolina, a route they’ve used for years with their church group.
Detained Despite Legal Voucher
Emma, who is still in the process of obtaining her citizenship, was carrying a voucher authorizing her legal passage. According to Saldivar, things took a turn when Border Patrol agents said they could not locate her documentation in their system.
As a result, both Emma and her husband were placed under arrest. While Saldivar was released within hours, Emma was transferred to the Valley Detention Center.
“We’ve never had a problem before, but this time they treated us differently. It’s heartbreaking,” Saldivar said in an interview with Fox News reporter Lisa Marcellinus.
Claims of Verbal Abuse
From inside the detention facility, Emma claims that she was verbally mistreated by agents during the encounter. Though details remain limited, the allegation is being taken seriously by immigration advocates.
Immigration Status and Documentation Issues
Cases like Emma’s highlight the vulnerabilities faced by individuals navigating legal immigration pathways, especially when their status is still pending.
“She had her voucher, she followed all the steps. But now she’s in detention,” Saldivar said.
Call for Accountability and Transparency
Immigration advocates are calling for a review of the incident and demanding clarity from ICE and Border Patrol regarding the handling of legal documentation and the treatment of detainees.
Contact Information for Assistance or Concerns
For individuals experiencing similar issues or seeking help with immigration status:
- American Immigration Council – https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org
- ACLU Border Rights Center – https://www.aclu.org
- Immigration Legal Hotline – 📞 (800) 528-4044
The Valley Detention Center has not yet released a statement regarding Emma’s detention or the alleged verbal abuse. As of now, her status remains in limbo, and her family continues to seek answers.
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