Jackie Merlos, a Portland resident who was detained by immigration authorities for four months, has been released from the immigration detention center in Tacoma and will be able to reunite with her children, members of Oregon’s congressional delegation announced late Monday.

U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, D-Oregon, who raised public awareness about the family’s initial detention, continued to push for Merlos’ release throughout her detainment.

In a statement, Dexter, along with U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, Sen. Jeff Merkley, and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Oregon, said Merlos’ release came hours after she announced a federal court filing on Merlos’ behalf, challenging the legality of her continued detention.

“Jackie’s freedom is proof that the power of the people is greater than the peopl

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