Venezuelan Doctor Detained in Texas Amid Immigration Crackdown

Dr. Rubeliz Bolívar, a Venezuelan physician, was detained by immigration agents at McAllen airport while traveling with her 5-year-old U.S. citizen daughter. They were en route to California for an asylum appointment when they were stopped. Bolívar, who has been living in the U.S. for over a decade and is a resident in emergency medicine, was taken to a detention center after presenting her valid work permit, which was deemed invalid by the agent. This incident, part of a broader immigration enforcement effort, has raised concerns among healthcare professionals and lawmakers about the impact on medical services in underserved areas. Bolívar’s husband is actively seeking her release with the help of legal counsel.

Key Details: • Dr. Bolívar was detained on a Saturday while traveling to a scheduled asylum appointment on April 16. • Her daughter was held for over 16 hours before being released to family. • Bolívar has been living in the U.S. since 2017 with a work permit that is now under scrutiny. • The case has drawn attention from local lawmakers and medical organizations, criticizing the impact on healthcare. • Support for Bolívar's release is being mobilized by her husband and the medical community.