safety
Family speaks out after ICE detains Chaparral grandma over 2022 drug conviction
By Jamel Valencia at KTSM 9 News (NBC)
· July 17, 2026
· 1 min read
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - The daughter of a woman taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier this week says her mother is not the person many have portrayed her to be and believes she was unknowingly caught up in the drug-smuggling case from 2020 that led to her arrest a...
Key takeaway Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier this week says her mother is not the person many have portrayed her to be and believes she was unknowingly caught up in the drug-smuggling case from 2020 that led to her arrest and now [...
Why this matters in The El Paso
The detention of the Chaparral grandmother by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has raised concerns among El Paso residents about the impact of federal immigration policies on local families. This case is particularly notable given the woman's 2022 drug conviction, which has sparked debate about the fairness of her detention. As the community grapples with the complexities of immigration enforcement, it is crucial to consider the human side of these policies, including the potential for long-time residents like the grandmother to be separated from their families. The fact that the woman's daughter is speaking out to defend her mother's character suggests a deeper concern about the way these cases are handled and the need for a more nuanced approach to immigration enforcement in El Paso. This incident may also prompt local leaders to reexamine their relationships with federal immigration authorities and advocate for more compassionate policies.
About this story
Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC) . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTSM 9 News (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - The daughter of a woman taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier this week says her mother is not the person many have portrayed her to be and believes she was unknowingly caught up in the drug-smuggling case from 2020 that led to her arrest a...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jamel Valencia at KTSM 9 News (NBC). To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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