A Portland teenager whose immigration case has garnered national attention is set to be released by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after nearly six months in custody.
A judge ordered on Wednesday that Olivia Mabiala Andre, 19, be released by Friday, according to one of her attorneys, Todd Pomerleau.
“She’s just overjoyed and ecstatic and going through a lot of emotions,” Pomerleau said in a phone call Wednesday evening, “but she’s getting out.”
Olivia Andre and her mother, Carine Balenda Mbizi, and two siblings, Joel and Estefania Andre, were taken into custody by U.S. Border & Customs Protection after the family sought asylum in Canada on Nov. 12.
According to Border Patrol, the family entered the United States illegally in 2022 and a judge ordered their removal in February 2025. They appealed that order, but were denied in October.
The mother and two siblings were released in March. Ahead of their release, attorneys had argued that the mother and two high schoolers must be released from custody under the Flores Settlement Agreement, which details protections for people under 18 who have been detained by immigration authorities.
However, the 19-year-old remained in ICE custody.
Attorneys filed court documents last week, detailing the family’s horrific journey from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United States.
Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine, D-1st District, visited the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas with other federal lawmakers on Tuesday, where Olivia Andre has been held. Pingree, who has long been advocating for the family to be reunited, was able to speak with her for about an hour during the visit.
Pingree welcomed the teenager’s imminent release Wednesday evening.
“Olivia’s release is a testament to the power of public pressure, persistent advocacy, and the simple truth that no one seeking safety should be subjected to this kind of needless cruelty,” Pingree said in a written statement. “Now, ICE must release Olivia without delay so she can be reunited with her family and begin to heal where she belongs: at home in Maine.”
Maine children’s YouTube star Rachel Griffin Accurso, popularly known as Ms. Rachel, has also called for Olivia Andre’s release, drawing national attention to her case.
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