Release of Army Sergeant’s Wife from Immigration Custody
The wife of a U.S. Army sergeant has been released from federal immigration custody after spending a month detained. Jose Serrano, an active-duty soldier stationed in Texas, had previously informed The Associated Press that immigration officials arrested his wife, Daisy Rivera Ortega, during a meeting on April 14 to continue her green card application process.
Advocacy Efforts Lead to Release
Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat and military veteran, learned of Rivera Ortega’s detention through an advocacy group. She reached out directly to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Marin on Wednesday, urging action for Rivera Ortega’s release. Following the intervention, Rivera Ortega returned home on Thursday night.
Conditions of Release
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Rivera Ortega was released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody with a GPS tracking device, and she is required to undergo mandatory home visits and check-ins at an ICE office. The DHS confirmed that she will receive full due process moving forward.
Background on Rivera Ortega’s Case
Rivera Ortega’s family did not respond to requests for further comment. She and Serrano, who are stationed in the Fort Bliss area, got married in 2022. Rivera Ortega entered the United States illegally in 2016, and a judge issued a final order of removal in December 2019, according to DHS records.
Employment and Legal Status
A native of El Salvador, Rivera Ortega was employed at two hotels and held a military spouse identification card along with a valid work permit, as stated by Duckworth’s office. She had applied for a parole program that is intended to offer protection to family members of military personnel while they work on adjusting their legal immigration status.
Policy Implications on Military Families
In April 2022, DHS implemented a policy that recognizes the military service of an immediate family member as a “significant mitigating factor” in immigration enforcement decisions. However, the agency clarified that military service alone does not exempt individuals from the consequences of violating U.S. immigration laws.
National Security Concerns
Advocates for military families have raised alarms about the implications of detaining spouses of active-duty soldiers, arguing it represents a national security issue by diverting soldiers’ attention from their military responsibilities. Duckworth highlighted the emotional strain on these servicemen and women, emphasizing that they should be focused on their duties rather than the safety of their families during their deployment.
Deportation Proceedings and Public Outcry
According to the DHS, over 100 relatives of veterans are currently facing deportation proceedings under the previous administration’s policies, which have drawn significant public scrutiny. In response to widespread concern, various congressional leaders have intervened, leading to the release of some spouses detained by federal immigration authorities.
Brooke is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing underreported issues through local journalism.
