ECBAWM Client Jackie Merlos Featured in OPB Documentary “The Crackdown”

  • November 2, 2026

ECBAWM client Jackie Merlos is featured in Oregon Public Broadcasting’s (OPB) documentary series “The Crackdown,” which examines federal immigration enforcement, protests in Portland, and the legal battles surrounding the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

Jackie’s story highlights the devastating impact of immigration enforcement on families. In June 2026, Jackie and her four U.S.-citizen children were detained following a family visit to a park near the U.S.-Canada border. Despite having a pending U visa application, Jackie spent approximately four months in immigration detention. Her children were eventually released, while her husband was detained and deported to Honduras.

Now, Jackie continues to seek justice and accountability, standing up for her rights and working to hold ICE accountable for its treatment of immigrant families. Jackie is represented by Vasudha Talla and Adam Nasser.

Read the full OPB story: The Crackdown, Episode 3: When Narratives of Portland ICE Protests Went to Court