Military Spouse Released from Immigration Custody After Month
Daisy Rivera Ortega, the wife of a U.S. Army sergeant, has been released from federal immigration custody after a month-long detainment.
Background of the Arrest
Jose Serrano, an active-duty soldier stationed in Texas and a veteran of three tours in Afghanistan, previously informed The Associated Press that his wife was arrested by immigration officials during a meeting on April 14 related to her green card application.
Political Intervention Leads to Release
Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat and military veteran, became aware of Rivera-Ortega’s situation through an advocacy group. She reached out directly to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Marin on Wednesday, urging him to facilitate Rivera-Ortega’s release. As a result, Rivera-Ortega returned home on Thursday evening.
Conditions of Release from ICE
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Rivera-Ortega was released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, but will remain under certain conditions that include wearing a GPS tracking device, undergoing mandatory home visits, and regularly checking in at an ICE office. The DHS confirmed that she will receive full due process.
Immigration Status and Legal Challenges
The couple, who are based in the Fort Bliss area and married in 2022, face complex legal challenges. Rivera-Ortega, who entered the United States without authorization in 2016, has a final removal order issued by a judge in December 2019, according to DHS records.
Support for Military Families
Rivera-Ortega, originally from El Salvador and formerly employed at local hotels, held a military spouse identification card and a valid work permit. She had filed for a parole program designed to shield relatives of military personnel from deportation while they seek to adjust their legal status.
Policy Changes and National Security Concerns
In April 2022, DHS rescinded a policy that previously considered an immediate family member’s military service as a “significant mitigating factor” against immigration enforcement. The current administration’s stance is that military service alone does not exempt individuals from immigration violations, raising concerns among advocates for military families about the impact of detaining spouses on national security. Senator Duckworth emphasized that such detentions create a distraction for active-duty soldiers, who should focus on their missions rather than worrying about their families’ safety at home.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings for Military Families
According to DHS, over 100 relatives of veterans are currently embroiled in deportation proceedings as part of policies initiated during the Trump administration. Furthermore, as of January 26, a total of 34 veterans have been placed in removal proceedings. The public’s response and intervention from congressional leaders have sometimes led to the release of military veterans and their spouses from federal custody.
