Family of Montreal woman detained by ICE says it's a 'nightmare'
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The 45-year-old's family said their finances are being stretched as they try to navigate the confusing and difficult legal and immigration systems in the United States.
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'She was very strong, very strong,' said her mother Maria Estella Cano. 'Now every, every day she (cries), every day and (says) she can't take it anymore.'
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The immigration crackdown includes controversial actions like targeting students for protesting, as well as sending people to a notorious prison in El Salvador. There has been an increase in raids by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, called ICE, at restaurants and farms amid dramatic standoffs with protesters.
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While Trump's team have said they are targeting criminals first, they also said anyone in the country illegally will be deported.
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Callejas was born and raised in Montreal after her family immigrated from Colombia. She started her swimsuit line in Canada around 2012 and was gaining momentum but when her father became unwell she paused her dreams to help care for him.
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Following her father's 2020 death, Callejas restarted her efforts to build a swimsuit company. Family said she did a few runway shows in Florida over the years and saw that there was real opportunity for her fashion line to develop in the state. She even was invited to take part in Miami Swim Week last year.
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She bought property in Florida, her mother said, and lived a modest life while working to build the brand.
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Family said they believed she was in the United States on a non-immigrant visa for people with special skills that was set to expire in March. They said she applied for an extension in February, but it was denied for a technical reason around the colour of ink used to sign the document.
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Cision Canada
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Global News
an hour ago
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- The Province
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Authorities say Melina and her father Luciano Frattolin entered the U.S. on July 11 for a vacation and were due back in Montreal on Sunday Published Jul 21, 2025 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 2 minute read The child was identified as Canadian resident Melina Frattolin, and her father as 45-year-old Luciano Frattolin. Photo by New York State Police A Montreal father is facing a murder charge after the body of his nine-year daughter was found over the weekend in New York state. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Luciano Frattolin, 45, is facing charges in New York state of second-degree murder and the concealment of a human corpse. Police say the body of Montreal resident Melina Frattolin was found on Sunday in Ticonderoga, NY, about 50 kilometres northeast of Lake George near the New York-Vermont boundary. On Monday, New York State Police Cpt. Robert McConnell told reporters Melina and her father entered the United States on July 11 for a vacation and were due back in Montreal on Sunday. Authorities conducted a search 'in an area Mr. Frattolin was suspected of having visited. 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Melina lived full-time with her mother, who had not expressed concerns about letting her daughter spend time with Frattolin, police said. A man with the name Luciano Frattolin is listed on Quebec's business registry as the head of a coffee importing and distribution company in Montreal. A biography on Gambella Coffee's website describes him as the son of an Ethiopian mother and an Italian father, and a successful entrepreneur who has been involved in multiple business ventures. The biography suggested that Frattolin has been living in Montreal in order to spend more time with 'his beautiful daughter Melina.' — With files from Montreal Gazette Read More Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here. Local News Local News Sports Crime National
