ICE Detains Nursing Mother Seeking Asylum in Nashville; Attorneys Cite Policy Violation

Nashville, TN, July 30, 2026 —

A Nashville mother, Maria Perez, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on May 19. The incident occurred as Perez was placing her children into a car for a doctor’s appointment.

Perez’s attorneys contend that her detention violates ICE policy, specifically Directive 11032.4. This directive generally prohibits the detention of nursing mothers unless they are deemed a risk to national security or pose an imminent danger. Attorneys for Perez stated that she was breastfeeding her 10-month-old child at the time of her apprehension and claim she was subjected to racial profiling.

According to court documents filed by her legal team, Perez fled domestic violence in Guatemala in 2022 and subsequently sought asylum in the United States. She is currently being held at a detention facility in Louisiana.

In an effort to secure her release, Perez’s attorneys have filed a habeas corpus petition. This legal action challenges her detention and seeks her freedom based on the alleged violation of the ICE directive concerning nursing mothers.

Following Perez’s arrest, her two young children were reportedly left with a neighbor. One of her children, a son, has been described as having Down syndrome and cardiac issues.

ICE has not publicly commented on the specific details of the case, including the allegations of policy violation or racial profiling. The habeas corpus petition is now before the court for consideration.

Story summarized from the original created by Steve Mehling on www.wsmv.com, see more information here.

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