Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a mother and daughter from Ecuador after they were treated for injuries sustained in a severe rollover crash in Central Florida, sparking questions about immigration enforcement in medical facilities.
Severe Crash Leads to Hospital Treatment
Grace Stephanie Calero Cabanilla, 39, and her daughter Giulianna Mia Carriel Calero, 19, were driving to work on August 20 when another vehicle struck the passenger side of their car at Marigold Avenue and Sheldrake Road in Poinciana. The impact caused their vehicle to roll approximately four times, with family members describing the crash as nearly fatal. The car was completely destroyed, with wheels and trunk detached and severe front-end damage.
Emergency responders transported both women by ambulance to HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital. According to family member Jonathan Bravo, Calero Cabanilla received treatment while wearing a neck brace and under medication. The women were placed in separate rooms upon arrival at the medical facility.
Deputies Question Immigration Status During Treatment
Polk County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the hospital as part of their crash investigation and began questioning the women about their immigration status while they received medical care. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office confirmed deputies discovered during their investigation that the driver had overstayed an expired visa by several years. Deputies subsequently determined the adult daughter had also overstayed her visa authorization period.
ICE confirmed that Calero Cabanilla entered the United States legally on March 8, 2023, but remained beyond her authorized admission period. The agency stated Carriel Calero entered legally on February 8, 2025, but similarly overstayed. Immigration detainers were lodged against both women following the crash discovery. After medical discharge, both were taken into custody and transported to Polk County Jail.
Family Claims Legal Authorization
Bravo disputed the characterization of his cousin’s status, stating Calero Cabanilla has a pending asylum application with valid work authorization and a Social Security number. He said she was legally employed at the time of the arrest. Bravo also claimed Carriel Calero’s visa documentation remained valid through 2030, as she was included in her mother’s asylum case.
HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital stated its priority remains providing care to every patient regardless of immigration status, emphasizing compliance with laws governing law enforcement interactions. The hospital said it does not deviate from providing necessary medical care to patients while cooperating with verified law enforcement members who enter the facility.