Family Seeking Medical Care Detained by Immigration Agents in Oregon
A Venezuelan family seeking urgent medical attention for their seven-year-old daughter was detained by U.S. immigration officials upon arrival at a healthcare facility in Gresham, Oregon. The incident raises concerns about immigration enforcement practices and access to healthcare for vulnerable populations. The family, who have pending asylum claims, are now being held at a detention center in Texas.
Family Seeking Medical Care Detained by Immigration Agents in Oregon
Gresham, Oregon – A Venezuelan family seeking medical care for their seven-year-old daughter was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Friday, January 16, 2026, outside Portland Adventist Health in Gresham, Oregon. The family, identified as Yohendry De Jesus Crespo, Darianny Liseth Gonzalez De Crespo, and their daughter Diana, had arrived at the urgent care facility due to a persistent nosebleed suffered by Diana.According to friends of the family, the Crespos immigrated to the United States from Venezuela over a year ago, citing fear of government reprisals as their motivation. They reportedly settled in Utah before relocating to Oregon in October, concerned about increased immigration enforcement. The family has a pending asylum application and the parents had obtained work permits. They entered the U.S. through a port of entry in California after an appointment with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.The detention has drawn criticism from local officials and immigrant rights advocates. Oregon Representative Ricki Ruiz expressed concern for Diana's well-being, emphasizing the need for compassion and swift, humane action in cases involving children. The Oregon Nurses Association called the incident "alarming, chilling, and deeply shameful," stating that "no parent should ever be forced to weigh their child’s health against the risk of detention."Alyssa Walker Keller, coordinator for the Portland Immigrants Rights Coalition, described the incident as "horrific" and a "new unsettling dynamic to see a family unit detained like this in Oregon." She also noted the proximity to another incident at the same healthcare facility just a week prior, where two individuals were shot by federal officers while seeking medical attention.Portland Adventist Health stated they were unaware of the detainment and had not coordinated with any law enforcement agency. "Patient care remains our priority, regardless of circumstances," a spokesperson for the health center said.The Crespo family is reportedly being held at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas. This facility has faced scrutiny regarding the adequacy of medical care and food. ICE has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the family's detention. This marks one of the first confirmed instances of an entire family being detained in Oregon while seeking medical assistance.This report is based on information from OPB.org.
