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Two Ecuadorian women were taken into immigration custody by ICE shortly after being treated for injuries sustained in a rollover car accident in Central Florida.
Grace Stephanie Calero Cabanilla, 39, and her daughter, Giulianna Mía Carriel Calero, 19, were discharged from HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital following the crash on August 20 at the intersection of Marigold Avenue and Sheldrake Road in Poinciana. According to affidavits from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, ICE agents arrested the women upon their release.
Jonathan Bravo, 37, Calero Cabanilla’s cousin, told Newsweek that the mother and daughter were en route to work when their vehicle was struck on the passenger side. He described the accident as severe, with the car rolling over four times, suffering extensive damage including the loss of wheels and the trunk.
ICE officials stated that Calero Cabanilla legally entered the United States on March 8, 2023, but overstayed her authorized stay. They also claimed Giulianna entered legally on February 8, 2025, and similarly overstayed her visa. However, Bravo disputes these claims via a GoFundMe campaign he set up on their behalf, stating that Grace has a pending asylum case and a valid work permit, while Giulianna holds a visa valid until 2030.
According to Bravo, the women were still in shock from the crash when an immigration officer questioned them, initially misrepresenting his identity before revealing he worked for ICE. The questioning reportedly lasted several hours, during which Giulianna experienced a seizure as Grace was handcuffed.
The fundraiser has since raised over $9,000 to support the women.
HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital emphasized its commitment to providing care to all patients regardless of immigration status. A hospital spokesperson affirmed that while required to cooperate with law enforcement, the hospital’s priority remains delivering compassionate medical care.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that during questioning, it was determined that Grace had overstayed an expired visa by several years. ICE issued detainers for both women, who were then taken into custody and transported to Polk County Jail after hospital discharge.
Bravo insists that Grace was legally working, with asylum proceedings underway and proper documentation including a Social Security number. He also noted that Grace sustained injuries to her neck, back, arms, legs, and knees and was still in pain when taken into custody. Both women remain in ICE custody pending further proceedings.