France Urges US to Release 86-Year-Old Widow Detained by Immigration Authorities
The French government is actively pressing the United States Department of Homeland Security to secure the release of an 86-year-old French widow from immigration custody in Louisiana. Marie-Therese Ross was detained earlier this month, sparking diplomatic efforts from French officials.
Details of the Detention
According to the Department of Homeland Security, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained Marie-Therese Ross in Alabama on April 1. The detention occurred after she overstayed her 90-day visa. Ross is currently being held at a federal immigration detention facility in Louisiana, where she remains in custody.
French Government Mobilization
Rodolphe Sambou, the Consul General of France in New Orleans, has confirmed that the French government is fully mobilized in pushing for her release. Sambou has visited Ross twice in detention and expressed deep concern over her situation.
"Given her age, we really want her to get out of this situation as soon as possible," Sambou told the Associated Press. "We want to get her out of jail."
Sambou has been in frequent communication with Ross’ family and French officials in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and Paris to coordinate her release and ensure she has access to adequate food and healthcare. The French government has also directly contacted the Department of Homeland Security regarding the case.
Background and Context
Marie-Therese Ross married Alabama resident William Ross in April last year, as shown by Calhoun County marriage records. William Ross, a former captain in the US Army, passed away in January, according to his family's obituary. Ross is among thousands of individuals targeted by mass deportation efforts that have included spouses of US soldiers and military veterans, groups that previously received greater leniency under now-scrapped policies.
Sambou declined to comment on Ross’ specific legal status or other details of her case, citing privacy and ongoing proceedings. A lawyer representing Ross in a separate legal matter did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and her family has also not commented publicly.
Broader Implications
This case highlights ongoing tensions in US immigration enforcement, particularly concerning elderly detainees and the families of military veterans. The French government's involvement underscores the international dimensions of such detention cases and the humanitarian concerns raised by advocates.
Associated Press writer Samuel Petrequin contributed reporting from France, while Jack Brook, a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative, reported on the story. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to cover underreported issues.
