French Widow Returns to France After Immigration Controversy
PARIS — An 85-year-old French widow who relocated to the United States to build a new life with a military veteran she met over fifty years ago has returned to France following a distressing period of 16 days in federal immigration detention. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrault confirmed her return, stating, “She returned to France this morning, which is satisfying for us.” During his remarks in Montpellier, he criticized U.S. immigration enforcement practices, asserting that they fail to meet French standards and are “unacceptable to us.”
Family Disputes Prompt Federal Intervention
Court documents reveal that Marie Therese Ross entered the U.S. last June after marrying a retired soldier who had been stationed in France in the 1960s. Tragically, following her husband’s death from natural causes in January, a family dispute regarding his inheritance erupted. Ross’ son-in-law, a U.S. federal employee, allegedly played a role in her detention, which a judge in Alabama confirmed.
Detainment and Health Concerns
Federal immigration officials apprehended Ross in Alabama on April 1 for overstaying her 90-day visa, as reported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. She was then transferred to a detention center in Louisiana after French authorities raised concerns about her well-being. Her son, Hervé Gois, disclosed to The Associated Press that Ross was in the process of applying for a green card at the time of her detainment. “She is very tired and not well, but it is difficult for her,” he said.
Inadequate Medical Care in Detention
Ross’ attorney, Kim Willingham, highlighted troubling conditions during her stay in Louisiana, noting that Ross wasn’t provided with necessary medications. “She doesn’t feel like she or other inmates are treated well in the facility,” Willingham stated. “She did everything she had to do to get a green card.”
Contested Inheritance Issues
According to Calhoun County court records, Ross had relinquished her pension and moved to Alabama last year to marry William B. Ross. However, following his death without a will, tensions escalated as his two sons sought control over assets estimated at less than $190,000, including the home in Anniston, Alabama, where Ross resided. Probate Judge Shirley A. Millwood indicated that the sons rerouted mail from the residence, hindering Ross’ ability to attend immigration-related appointments.
Allegations of Wrongdoing
Judge Millwood accused one of the stepsons, a former Alabama state trooper now working as a federal employee, of using his position to instigate Ross’ detention just days before a scheduled estate hearing. While the stepson denied culpability, evidence suggested he had prior knowledge of the arrest, having received a text confirming it shortly after federal agents took Ross into custody. Notably, his brother appeared at the house to change the locks soon after.
Call for Investigation
In an April 10 ruling, Judge Millwood ordered the stepchildren to allow Ross to reclaim her personal belongings from her late husband’s house. She also urged federal authorities to investigate the circumstances of Ross’ arrest, emphasizing the prevailing national concerns surrounding distrust of federal law enforcement. The law firm representing the stepchildren declined to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to inquiries, while the city of Anniston clarified that local police were not involved in Ross’ arrest.
