Wife of U.S. soldier released from federal immigration detention
NEW ORLEANS — The wife of a U.S. soldier was released Tuesday from a federal immigration detention center where she had spent nearly a week after being detained at a Louisiana military base.
The detention of Annie Ramos, 22, the Honduran-born wife of a U.S. Army staff sergeant preparing to be deployed, sparked a public backlash from critics of the Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign, who warned it was demoralizing troops during an ongoing war.
Ramos’ mother-in-law, Jen Rickling, confirmed his release to The Associated Press in a text message. The New York Times first reported his release.
Ramos, who married Staff Sgt. Matthew Blank, in March, was arrested by federal immigration agents while trying to register at his base to receive military benefits and eventually obtain a green card. She had lived in the countryside since she was less than 2 years old. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Ramos was deported by a federal immigration judge in 2005 after her family failed to show up for a hearing.
Ramos and her husband say she tried to gain legal status, including applying for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in 2020, although her application remained stalled amid legal battles to eliminate the program.
“All I’ve ever wanted is to live with dignity in the country I’ve called home since I was a baby,” Ramos said in a statement to the AP after his release. “I want to finish my degree, continue my education and serve my community – just like my husband serves our country with honor. »
DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Trump administration has abandoned lenient immigration policies toward family members of military personnel and veterans, even as the military has promoted protection of family members of U.S. soldiers from deportation as a recruiting incentive.
Ramos said she plans to continue studying biochemistry and focus on married life with her husband.
“As Matthew continues to prepare for his long career in the military, I am now focused on achieving my status, continuing my education and building our life together,” Ramos said. “We want to create a home, a future and a family. This experience has been incredibly difficult, but it has also reminded me of the power of faith, love and community. I am hopeful for the future.”
