Full Breakdown
Detention of 86-Year-Old French Woman Sparks Outcry
4/15/2026, 9:00:24 AM
Overview of the Incident
Marie-Therese Helene Ross, an 86-year-old French woman, has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Louisiana after moving to the United States to rekindle a romance with her long-lost love, Billy Ross, a former U.S. serviceman. Marie-Therese was arrested in Anniston, Alabama, on April 1, 2026, for allegedly overstaying her Visa Waiver Program, which allowed her to remain in the U.S. for only 90 days. Her family claims she was in the process of applying for a green card when she was detained.
Background of the Relationship
Marie-Therese and Billy first met in the 1960s at a NATO base in Saint-Nazaire, France, where they fell in love. After being separated in 1966 when Billy returned to the U.S., both went on to marry other people. They reconnected in 2010 and, after both became widowed, married in 2025. Following Billy's sudden death in January 2026, Marie-Therese faced legal troubles with his son over inheritance issues, which reportedly included intimidation and the cutting off of utilities at her home.
Conditions of Detention
Marie-Therese is currently being held in a crowded detention center with approximately 70 other detainees. Her family has expressed grave concerns for her health, citing existing heart and back problems. They reported that she was handcuffed at her arrest, which her son described as being treated "like a dangerous criminal." The family has not received updates about her condition for a week following her arrest until French consular officials visited her.
Official Statements & Responses
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Marie-Therese's arrest, stating, "On April 1, ICE arrested Marie-Therese Helene Ross, an illegal alien from France." The agency emphasized that she had overstayed her visa and encouraged individuals in similar situations to utilize the CBP Home App for self-deportation options. The family is seeking her release on humanitarian grounds, arguing that her health would not withstand the conditions of detention.
Criticism & Opposition
The case has drawn criticism regarding the treatment of elderly immigrants and the enforcement of immigration laws under the Trump administration. Critics argue that ICE's actions disproportionately affect vulnerable individuals, including those with pending legal status. The family has described the situation as surreal, likening it to a "bad American film," and has called for her immediate repatriation to France.
What's Next
The French Foreign Ministry has become involved, and consular officials are working to secure Marie-Therese's release. It remains unclear when or if ICE will release her or pursue removal proceedings. The family continues to advocate for her return to France, emphasizing the urgency given her health concerns.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For us it’s urgent to get her out of the detention center and bring her back to France,” — Marie-Therese's son
- “They handcuffed her hands and feet like she was a dangerous criminal.” — Marie-Therese's son
- “She’s holding up. Our mother’s a fighter; a force of nature. The others being held call her unsinkable.” — Marie-Therese's son
This incident highlights the complexities and human impact of U.S. immigration policies, particularly as they affect elderly individuals and families.
