U.S. Army Sergeant’s Wife Released from Federal Custody
The wife of a U.S. Army sergeant has been released from federal immigration custody after spending a month detained. This development comes as immigration officials took action during a meeting intended for her green card application.
Background of the Case
Jose Serrano, an active-duty soldier stationed in Texas with three tours of duty in Afghanistan, previously shared with The Associated Press that his wife, Daisy Rivera Ortega, was arrested on April 14. The couple was meeting with immigration officials when the incident occurred, prompting a wave of advocacy for her release.
Advocacy and Government Response
Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat and military veteran, became aware of Rivera-Ortega’s situation through an advocacy group. In response, she personally contacted Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Marin on Wednesday, urging him to facilitate Rivera-Ortega’s release. She returned home on Thursday evening.
Conditions of Release
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), confirmed that Rivera-Ortega was released with a GPS tracking device, mandatory home visits, and required check-ins at an ICE office. The department emphasized that she would receive full due process under the law.
Immigration Status and Family Dynamics
Rivera-Ortega, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2016, has been in a challenging immigration situation since a judge issued a final order of removal in December 2019. She and Serrano, who reside in the Fort Bliss area, married in 2022. Their family did not provide comments to the media regarding this case.
Military Spouse Policy Changes
A native of El Salvador and a former employee at two hotels, Rivera-Ortega held a military spouse identification card and a valid work permit. She had applied for a parole program aimed at safeguarding military family members in the immigration process. However, DHS recently repealed a policy that recognized military service as a significant factor in immigration enforcement decisions, stating that such service does not exempt individuals from the consequences of violating immigration law.
Concerns for Military Families
Advocacy groups for military families have raised alarms that detaining the spouses of active-duty personnel threatens national security. Such situations distract soldiers from their duties, further complicating their ability to focus on military objectives. Senator Duckworth articulated the need for military members to concentrate on their missions without worrying about the safety of their families back home.
Broader Context of Deportation Proceedings
As of January 26, more than 100 relatives of veterans were reported to be in deportation proceedings under the previous administration’s mass deportation strategy, with 34 veterans also facing removal. In several instances, public outcry and intervention from Congressional leaders have led to the release of military veterans and their spouses from federal immigration custody.
Reporting Contributions
Brooke, a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative, has contributed to this coverage. Report for America focuses on placing journalists in local newsrooms to address underreported issues, enhancing public awareness and fostering informed discussions.
