Maryland woman detained by ICE reunited with family

Silver Spring Woman Reunited with Family After Wrongful Detention

SILVER SPRING, Md. – Attorneys for a Silver Spring woman, Dulce Consuelo Diaz Morales, who was wrongfully detained by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in December, say she has been reunited with her family.

Diaz Morales’ case gained attention in December after her attorneys claimed on social media that she was taken into custody by ICE despite being an American citizen born in Maryland.

The story was viewed millions of times online and caused outrage across the nation.

Statement from Attorneys

“I can confirm that she reunited with family late tonight, thanks to the assistance of members of the legal team. All of her cases remain in active litigation,” said Sanabria & Associates to FOX 5.

Her attorneys have stated they have indisputable proof she is in the country legally.

Details of Detention

In a news conference after Diaz Morales’ detainment, her lawyers said she has a watermarked birth certificate. This document shows she was born in a Laurel, Md., hospital, confirming her citizenship. They also mentioned signed affidavits from witnesses and other documents.

On December 14, Diaz Morales and her sister were leaving a Taco Bell in Baltimore when they were stopped by ICE.

She was taken into custody, and her family could not see her for weeks. Her attorneys expressed frustration over their inability to contact her for days.

“We have not been given any information as to why she was detained or why she has continued to be held, despite prima facie evidence proving otherwise,” attorney Victoria Slatten said after the detainment.

ICE’s Response

ICE provided a statement to FOX 5 that contradicted the family and attorney’s claims about Diaz Morales’s citizenship and access to attorneys.

“Dulce Consuelo Madrigal Diaz is NOT a U.S. citizen—she is an illegal alien from Mexico. She did NOT provide a U.S. birth certificate or any evidence in support of her claim that she is a U.S. citizen,” the statement said.

ICE stated that on December 14, 2025, they arrested Dulce Consuelo Madrigal Diaz, an illegal alien from Mexico, in Baltimore, Maryland. They noted that on October 20, 2023, when CBP encountered her near Lukeville, Arizona, Madrigal-Diaz claimed she was a citizen of Mexico and was born on October 18, 2003.

ICE added that her case is being adjudicated and she is receiving full due process. They also stated that any claim that ICE does not allow detainees to contact legal assistance is FALSE. All detainees have access to phones to communicate with lawyers.

Current Status

It is not immediately clear why she was released on Wednesday or if she will continue to face legal action from ICE.