Crisis at Louisiana Immigration Detention Facility Highlights Personal Struggles
The cries of children echoed through the Louisiana immigration detention facility, a harrowing experience recalled by Marie-Thérèse Ross-Mahe, who was in her home in France at the time. “There are crying children and even babies,” she remarked, reflecting on the distressing atmosphere that has garnered international attention.
International Attention on Immigration Enforcement
The detention of an 85-year-old man under the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies drew significant media coverage last month. Almost a month after her release, Marie-Thérèse is speaking out about her own ordeal and the late-life romance that brought her to the United States.
A Second Chance at Love Across the Atlantic
Last year, Marie-Thérèse journeyed across the Atlantic with William B. Ross, her former boyfriend from the 1950s. Their paths crossed decades ago when William, then an American soldier, met Marie-Thérèse, employed as a NATO secretary in France. “After both of us lost our spouses, we decided to spend the holidays together, and old feelings reignited, leading us to marry,” she explained.
Compounding Tragedies and Immigration Issues
Following their move to Anniston, Alabama, in April 2025, tragedy struck with the passing of William in January. This loss was compounded by challenges Marie-Thérèse faced in managing their affairs, as miscommunication due to her sons forwarding mail from Alabama delayed her immigration-related appointments.
Confronted by Immigration Agents
On April 1, Marie-Thérèse was arrested for allegedly overstaying her 90-day visa. The arrest unfolded rapidly, leaving her bewildered. Five men, identifying themselves as immigration agents, knocked forcefully on her door at 8 a.m., handcuffed her, and placed her in a vehicle, all while she was still in her night attire.
Conditions in Detention and Shared Sorrows
Two days later, she was relocated to a facility in Basile, Louisiana, where she joined 58 other women, many of whom were mothers. “Some didn’t know where their children were; it’s unimaginable to be in such a situation,” she lamented. The detention experience was marked by strict rules, incessant yelling from guards, and subpar treatment. “Though the facility was clean and the food acceptable, the guards always yelled,” she recounted.
A Call for Justice and Support
Back in Nantes, as Marie-Thérèse and her family slowly heal, they remain haunted by the strict environment of the facility. She recalls moments of camaraderie among the detainees, noting how the other women referred to her as “Grandma” and gifted her a handmade bracelet. The French government stepped in, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrault calling for her release and criticizing U.S. immigration enforcement practices as misaligned with French standards.
Ongoing Impact and Reflections
The case of Marie-Thérèse has led to questions about her stepson’s alleged role in her detention, amidst family disputes over inheritance following her husband’s death. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed that her husband overstayed his visa, asserting that conditions in ICE detention facilities are regularly audited, claiming they meet national standards.
Her family reports ongoing struggles with mental health following her experience, and Marie-Thérèse grapples with redefining her perspective on the U.S. While she once viewed the country as a bastion of freedom, she now recognizes the stark reality faced by immigrants. “The only fault of the women I met was being South American,” she reflected, expressing deep disillusionment with the treatment of detainees within the system.
