Two Ecuadorian women recovering from a severe rollover crash in Central Florida were taken into immigration custody directly from their hospital beds after deputies discovered they had overstayed their visas, sparking debate over immigration enforcement procedures at medical facilities.
What Happened at the Hospital
Grace Stephanie Calero Cabanilla, 39, and her daughter Giulianna Mia Carriel Calero, 19, were transported to HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital on August 20 following a violent collision at Marigold Avenue and Sheldrake Road in Poinciana. According to family members, another vehicle struck the passenger side of their car, causing it to roll approximately four times. The impact was so severe that the wheels and trunk separated from the vehicle, leaving it completely destroyed.
Polk County sheriff’s deputies arrived at the hospital to investigate the crash and began questioning Calero Cabanilla about her immigration status while she wore a neck brace and received medical treatment. The women were placed in separate rooms, and deputies discovered both had overstayed their authorized periods of admission to the United States. Immigration and Customs Enforcement subsequently issued detainers, and both women were transported to Polk County Jail after medical discharge.
The Legal Status Question
ICE confirmed that Calero Cabanilla entered the United States legally on March 8, 2023, but remained beyond her authorized period. Her daughter entered legally on February 8, 2025, and similarly overstayed. Family member Jonathan Bravo contests the characterization, stating that his cousin had filed for asylum, obtained work authorization, and received a Social Security number. He also claimed Carriel Calero possessed visa documentation valid through 2030, though this conflicts with the official government account.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office defended the actions, explaining that deputies were conducting a standard crash investigation when the immigration violations were discovered. Once identified, they followed legal requirements by contacting ICE, which issued the detainers.
Hospital Policy Under Scrutiny
HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital stated that its primary focus remains providing care to every patient regardless of immigration status. The hospital emphasized that staff members are dedicated to compassionate treatment but must comply with laws governing interactions with verified law enforcement officers. The facility maintained it does not deviate from providing necessary medical care to patients, even when legal complications arise during treatment.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement priorities and medical care settings. While hospitals are legally required to cooperate with law enforcement investigations, the timing and location of immigration status questioning during emergency medical treatment continues to generate controversy across the nation.