A 56-year-old legal permanent resident of the United States was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Texas on Wednesday as she was traveling to a chemotherapy appointment, according to her family. Martha Ochoa's daughter, Marilyn Moreno, stated that her mother, who has been a legal resident since the late 1980s, was arrested around 8 a.m. near El Paso.

Ochoa was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, and the disease has since spread to her lungs and bones, her daughter told the Daily Mail. Moreno expressed fears that her mother could die in ICE custody without access to the urgent medical treatment she requires. Ochoa receives chemotherapy every two weeks, and Moreno described it as the only treatment keeping her mother alive.

According to Moreno, ICE agents approached Ochoa at a gas station after following her in unmarked cars. Fearing she was being targeted by criminals, Ochoa pulled into the parking lot and went inside the store. When she emerged, she was confronted by agents. Her daughter stated that Ochoa went with the agents willingly to avoid causing trouble, as she was unaware of her rights.

Martha Ochoa, 56, is terminally ill, one of her six children told Daily Mail. The grandmother of four is a legal resident, her daughter claimed

Ochoa's family reported that doctors attempted to intervene by sending medical paperwork to the ICE office at Camp East Montana, where Ochoa is being held, to advocate for her release. Although it appeared she might be released around noon on Wednesday, her daughter stated that ICE later changed its decision. Moreno claimed that ICE refused to release her mother and did not provide a timeline for her potential release.

Ochoa remains at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas as of Wednesday night, her daughter told Daily Mail

Moreno stated that ICE officials cited "our own safety, because we're getting threats on social media as she gone viral" as the reason for detaining her mother. Ochoa, originally from Mexico, has resided in West Texas for over 30 years. Her late husband was a U.S. veteran. Ochoa's children are seeking legal representation and have contacted public officials for assistance. As of Thursday afternoon, Ochoa remained in ICE custody.

The grandmother was on her way to a chemotherapy appointment when she was stopped by ICE, her daughter told Daily Mail

This incident follows ICE's announcement this week of its decision to suspend arrests during traffic stops. The agency made this announcement after two men were reportedly shot and killed by agents in separate incidents in Texas and Maine.