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, demonstratin

See Full Page