A U.S. Army staff sergeant's wife, detained by immigration agents just days after their wedding, has been released following five days in custody. Annie Ramos, 22, was arrested on April 2 at a Louisiana military base where her husband is stationed.
"I feel awesome. Relieved," said Staff Sergeant Matthew Blank after reuniting with his wife. "These have been the worst days of my life. I can't wait to carry my wife into our home and start our lives together."
The couple had traveled to the base to obtain military identification for Ramos and activate her spouse benefits. Instead, immigration agents handcuffed her during their appointment and transported her to a detention facility.
"I never imagined that trying to do the right thing would lead to her being taken away from me," Blank told reporters. "What was supposed to be the happiest week of our lives has turned into one of the hardest."
Ramos, a biochemistry student who entered the United States from Honduras as a toddler, had received a final removal order after missing an immigration hearing when she was a child. Immigration and Customs Enforcement described her as "an illegal alien from Honduras" who was arrested while attempting to enter the military installation.
"All I have ever wanted is to live with dignity in the country I have called home since I was a baby," Ramos said in a statement. "I want to finish my degree, continue my education, and serve my community - just as my husband serves our country with honor."
Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona intervened in the case, contacting Homeland Security officials to advocate for Ramos's release. "I'm happy Annie is back with her husband and family where she belongs," Kelly stated. "They never should have gone through this painful process."
The detention has sparked criticism from immigration advocates who argue such actions undermine military morale. Gaby Pacheco of TheDream.US called the case a "wake-up call," stating that "detaining a 22-year-old biochemistry student who has lived here for two decades and is married to a U.S. Army staff sergeant preparing for deployment doesn't make us safer."
Blank, who has served multiple overseas deployments and is scheduled for another, said the ordeal has strengthened his commitment. "I'm complete and ready to serve our country," he affirmed. "And it's her country, too."