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Timeline: Deisy Rivera Ortega detained by ICE despite protections
Deisy Rivera Ortega, a Salvadoran national with protection under the Convention Against Torture, was detained by ICE in El Paso on April 14, 2026 during a Parole in Place interview. Her case involves a CAT ruling from 2019, a deportation order the same year, and ongoing legal action including a federal suit filed in 2026.
Why It Matters
The detention raises questions about how immigration protections interact with enforcement, and the potential impact on military spouses who rely on protections while pursuing residency.
Timeline
6 Events
Federal suit filed by Rivera Ortega’s lawyer
April 20, 2026
Matthew Kozik, the lawyer representing Rivera Ortega and her husband, filed a case in federal court challenging the detention.
Rivera Ortega remains in ICE custody
April 20, 2026
As of April 20, 2026, Rivera Ortega was still being held in ICE custody at the El Paso processing center, according to the agency’s online detainee system.
Rivera Ortega detained by ICE during routine immigration office visit
April 14, 2026
Rivera Ortega was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement during what was supposed to be a routine Parole in Place interview at an immigration office in El Paso, Texas.
Parole in Place application filed for Rivera Ortega
2025
Serrano said he had applied for Parole in Place for Rivera Ortega in 2025 and that the case remained pending.
Deportation order issued for Rivera Ortega
December 12, 2019
DHS said Rivera Ortega entered the United States illegally and was ordered to be deported on December 12, 2019.
CAT protection granted by immigration judge
December 2019
In December 2019, an immigration judge granted Rivera Ortega protection under the Convention Against Torture, allowing her to live and work in the United States and shielding her from deportation to El Salvador.