NEW ORLEANS. Louisiana: The wife of a U.S. soldier was released on April 7, following nearly a week in a federal immigration detention center after being taken into custody at a military base in Louisiana.
The detention of 22-year-old Annie Ramos, the Honduran-born wife of a U.S. Army staff sergeant Matthew Blank, who was preparing to deploy, caused a huge outcry from critics of the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign. They warned it would demoralize troops during an ongoing war.
Ramos' mother-in-law, Jen Rickling, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed Ramos' release to The Associated Press. Her release was first reported by the New York Times.
Ramos, who married Staff Sergeant Matthew Blank in March, was stopped by federal immigration officers when she went to her base to sign up for military benefits and try to get a green card. She has lived in the U.S. since she was under two years old. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said she had been ordered to leave the country in 2005 after her family missed a court hearing.
Ramos and her husband said she has been trying to become legal for years. She applied for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2020, but her application has been delayed because of ongoing legal disputes over the program.
After being released, Ramos said, "All I have ever wanted is to live with dignity in the country I have called home since I was a baby. I want to finish my degree, continue my education, and serve my community, just as my husband serves our country with honor."
A spokesperson for U.S. Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona said he contacted DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin about her detention. Blank's family lives in Arizona.
Kelly said, "I'm happy Annie is back with her husband and family, where she belongs. They never should have gone through this painful process, but far too many families like theirs are because of this administration."
DHS told The Associated Press that Ramos has been released but is wearing a GPS monitor while her immigration case continues. The agency added that she will receive full legal rights during the process.
The Trump administration has ended earlier policies that were more lenient toward family members of military personnel and veterans. This is despite the military encouraging the protection of soldiers' families to attract recruits.
Ramos said she plans to keep studying biochemistry and focus on her married life.
"As Matthew continues preparing for his long career in the military, my focus now is on securing my status, continuing my studies, and building our life together," she 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 what comes next."
