Maryland woman claiming US citizenship released from ICE custody

Dulce Consuelo Díaz Morales was released after 25 days in ICE custody while her lawyers say they presented a U.S. birth certificate; federal officials dispute her citizenship and the legal case remains open.

Dulce Consuelo Díaz Morales was detained near her Maryland home on December 14 and was released and reunited with her family after 25 days in ICE custody. Her attorneys say they provided a U.S. birth certificate and other records showing she was born in Maryland. The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have disputed that claim and said she is a Mexican citizen. A federal judge issued an order preventing deportation while the court reviews a petition filed by her lawyers. Known details: - Díaz Morales was detained by ICE on December 14 and spent 25 days in custody before her release. - Her attorneys say they submitted a U.S. birth certificate and a medical affidavit to support her claim of U.S. birth. - A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said DHS does not recognize her as a U.S. citizen and noted a prior encounter with CBP in October 2023 when she was identified as a Mexican citizen. - A federal court issued an order blocking deportation while it reviews a petition, and lawyers say the government has not dismissed the underlying case. Summary: The release ended a 25-day detention but the government and Díaz Morales's legal team continue to disagree over her citizenship and the underlying deportation proceedings remain active. Díaz Morales has an upcoming immigration check-in and her lawyers say they will continue to pursue court review of the evidence presented.