BALTIMORE — Dulce Consuelo Diaz Morales is still being monitored by ICE even though she has been released from detention. Her legal representatives are concerned that if her case is not dismissed, it could set a risky precedent for other U.S. citizens.
Born in Maryland on October 18, 2003, Diaz Morales has presented a substantial amount of documentation to affirm her citizenship. Her legal team has submitted a certified birth certificate from Maryland, hospital records from Laurel Regional Hospital, affidavits from witnesses present at her birth, elementary school documentation, and public health immunization records from the state that trace back to her infancy.
“Dulce Consuelo Diaz Morales is undeniably a United States citizen by birth. She was born in Maryland on October 18, 2003. This fact is well-supported by a certified Maryland birth certificate, contemporaneous hospital records from Laurel Regional Hospital, affidavits from individuals present during her birth, elementary school records, and immunization records from Maryland Public Health that date back to her early childhood,” stated Victoria Slatton of Sanabria & Associates.
In spite of the extensive documentation, ICE claims it still cannot verify Diaz Morales’ citizenship status.
“This situation remains quite complex and unresolved as of now,” noted Zachary Perez from Sanabria & Associates.
On Friday, Diaz Morales shared her harrowing experiences during her detention across multiple facilities. She expressed her frustrations regarding the conditions she encountered, from limited food selections to inconsistent bedding arrangements. In one facility, she noted the absence of basic shower facilities.
While she was detained, her legal team worked tirelessly to compile evidence of her Maryland birth under what they described as extraordinary circumstances.
READ MORE: “Extraordinarily irregular”: Attorneys claim U.S. Citizen detained by ICE
“Citizenship and freedom should not hinge on an individual’s capacity to obtain paperwork while confined or under immense pressure,” stated Slatton.
“The repeated instances in which she has had to assert her identity, despite being steadfast in her declarations, are a level of absurdity I have never encountered in my legal practice,” added Perez.
Although Diaz Morales has been released and is now home, she remains under ICE supervision, which includes mandatory hour-long check-ins and the requirement to wear an ankle monitor.
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The next phase for her legal team is to assist Diaz Morales in obtaining a passport, which would serve as further proof of her citizenship. However, there is uncertainty about whether ICE will accept even this additional documentation.
“We are hopeful that if our efforts do not meet their requirements, they will at least engage with us to clarify their expectations,” remarked Slatton.
Diaz Morales believes that despite her Hispanic background, she possesses the same rights as any other American citizen, given that she was born and resides in the United States.
Her legal team is optimistic about resolving the case before her upcoming court hearing, set for July 1.
This article was originally reported by a journalist and has been adapted for this platform with AI assistance. Our editorial team ensures accuracy and fairness in all reporting across various platforms.
