ORVAULT, France (AP) — The son of an 85-year-old French widow, Marie-Thérèse Ross, expressed relief and a strong commitment to her well-being after she endured a troubling 16 days of detention in U.S. immigration custody. Hervé Goix, alongside his siblings, prioritized their mother's recovery during a press conference in Orvault, declaring, To preserve her health and her rest, and for her to be able to rebuild herself.
Ross's traumatic experience began after she overstepped her 90-day visa upon marrying a retired U.S. military veteran. After her husband passed away, a family dispute regarding his estate resulted in her being taken into custody by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on April 1. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot denounced the practices of U.S. immigration authorities, stating they do not align with French standards of humane treatment.
During her detention, which took place in Alabama and later Louisiana, Ross was unable to carry her phone or identification, sparking deeper concerns among her family and French officials. Her son noted that she had been in the process of applying for a green card at the time of her apprehension.
Upon returning to France, Ross expressed joy at reuniting with her family. The mayor of Orvault, Sébastien Arrouët, reiterated the emotional turmoil Ross faced, highlighting that she needs time to process the psychological impacts of her ordeal. He echoed the sentiments of her family in emphasizing the need for her to feel safe and supported as she adjusts back to her life in France.
Ross's traumatic experience began after she overstepped her 90-day visa upon marrying a retired U.S. military veteran. After her husband passed away, a family dispute regarding his estate resulted in her being taken into custody by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on April 1. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot denounced the practices of U.S. immigration authorities, stating they do not align with French standards of humane treatment.
During her detention, which took place in Alabama and later Louisiana, Ross was unable to carry her phone or identification, sparking deeper concerns among her family and French officials. Her son noted that she had been in the process of applying for a green card at the time of her apprehension.
Upon returning to France, Ross expressed joy at reuniting with her family. The mayor of Orvault, Sébastien Arrouët, reiterated the emotional turmoil Ross faced, highlighting that she needs time to process the psychological impacts of her ordeal. He echoed the sentiments of her family in emphasizing the need for her to feel safe and supported as she adjusts back to her life in France.
