A legal U.S. resident and grandmother with terminal cancer was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents Wednesday while on her way to a chemotherapy appointment, according to her family. Martha Ochoa, 56, was apprehended at a gas station near El Paso, Texas, by ICE agents. Her daughter, Marilyn Morales, expressed grave concerns about her mother's health and well-being in ICE custody, stating that Ochoa requires regular medical treatment.

Morales said her mother, who has been a legal permanent resident since the late 1980s, pulled into the gas station parking lot out of fear after noticing unmarked cars following her. She reportedly went inside to seek help before agents approached her as she returned to her vehicle. Ochoa initially went with the agents willingly, her daughter stated, as she was unsure of her rights.

Ochoa was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, and the illness has since spread from her breast to her lungs and bones. Her chemotherapy treatments are administered every two weeks and are considered critical for her survival. Morales noted that Ochoa's doctors attempted to intervene by sending medical records to the ICE office where her mother was being held.

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

ICE had not provided a reason for Ochoa's detention, according to Morales. Although it appeared Ochoa might be released midday, her daughter later stated that ICE had changed its decision. Morales claimed that ICE cited social media threats against the agency as a reason for keeping Ochoa detained for safety purposes.

Morales is concerned that her mother is not eating and is not receiving adequate care in her current condition. Ochoa's children are reportedly working to hire legal representation and have contacted public officials for assistance.

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

Morales also acknowledged that her mother had a past charge for drug smuggling that was dismissed in 2021, after which all legal requirements and payments were reportedly settled.

This detention occurs shortly after ICE announced it would suspend arrests during traffic stops following two separate incidents in which individuals were killed by agents. ICE did not respond to requests for comment from the Daily Mail.