The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the Texas chapter of ACEP, and the Emergency Medicine Residents’ Association (EMRA) are pleased to report that Dr. Rubeliz Bolivar Barrios will be released on bond from federal detention today or tomorrow, according to her husband.
Dr. Bolivar Barrios has been held by the Department of Homeland Security for more than three weeks despite having a valid work permit and living lawfully in the United States for the last decade.
“This is what sustained and effective advocacy looks like,” said ACEP President L. Anthony Cirillo, MD, FACEP, noting the impact of the combined efforts of EMRA, the Texas chapter of ACEP, and ACEP’s own advocacy team. “We are glad that Dr. Bolivar Barrios soon will be heading home,” Dr. Cirillo added.
“The release of our colleague is long overdue,” said EMRA President Pauline Wiltz, DO. “This is a reminder that advocacy matters, that communities matter, and that when people come together, their voices can create real change. Most importantly, Dr. Bolivar Barrios will finally be reunited with her daughter, her husband, her residency, and her community.”
The release of Dr. Bolivar Barrios serves as both a celebration and a call to action, reinforcing the urgent need for compassionate immigration policies and continued support for international medical graduate physicians who care for the people of this nation, they said.
Dr. Bolivar is a first-year emergency medicine resident at South Texas Health System.
Drs. Cirillo and Wiltz said their organizations will continue to monitor the situation and provide support as appropriate.
