Sen. Tina Smith announces woman in need of medical care to be released from ICE detention

WASHINGTON, N.D. (KVRR) — On Thursday, June 4, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (DFL) announced successfully securing the release of Andrea Pedro-Francisco from a U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center.

Francisco was detained by ICE during Operation Metro Surge, and says she is in need of dire and immediate medical attention.

Smith’s office says Francisco came to the United States, from Guatemala, to seek asylum and has no criminal record.

“I’m beyond grateful to announce that I was able to secure the release of Andrea Pedro-Francisco from ICE detention in Texas. Her ovarian cyst presents potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated, and she was in incredible pain,” said Sen. Smith. “Now she will be able to get the lifesaving medical care she should have been able to receive back in February.”

Andrea was detained during a traffic stop in February during Operation Metro Surge. Senator Smith made calls to senior U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials to secure Andrea’s release.

A humanitarian parole request was made in May on Francisco’s behalf, but was the request was denied.