Full Breakdown
French Government Advocates for Release of 86-Year-Old Detained by ICE
4/17/2026, 9:09:09 AM
Overview of the Detention Case
The French government is actively seeking the release of Marie-Thérèse Helene Ross, an 86-year-old French widow detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since April 1, 2026. Ross was apprehended in Alabama after overstaying her visa, which allowed her a 90-day stay in the United States. She is currently held at a federal immigration detention facility in Louisiana, alongside approximately 70 other detainees.
Background of Marie-Thérèse Ross
Marie-Thérèse Ross moved to the U.S. in 2025 to marry Billy Ross, a U.S. military veteran she had rekindled a romance with after more than five decades apart. The couple had initially met in the 1960s while Billy was stationed at a NATO base in France. They lost contact after he returned to the U.S. but reconnected through social media in 2010, eventually marrying in 2025. Following Billy's death in January 2026, Marie-Thérèse planned to return to France but was detained before she could finalize her departure.
French Government's Response
Rodolphe Sambou, the Consul General of France in New Orleans, has expressed the French government's commitment to securing Ross's release. He has visited her in detention and is coordinating with her family and French officials in the U.S. to ensure she receives adequate care. Sambou emphasized the urgency of her situation due to her age and health concerns, stating, "Given her age, we really want her to get out of this situation as soon as possible."
Family's Perspective and Health Concerns
Ross's family has voiced their distress over her detention. Her son described the treatment she received during her arrest, stating, "They handcuffed her hands and feet like she was a dangerous criminal." He expressed concern for her health, noting that she has existing heart and back problems and that her return to France is "urgent." The family learned of her detention only after French consular officials visited her, as ICE did not notify them.
ICE's Justification and Broader Context
ICE has classified Ross as an "illegal alien," asserting that she last entered the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program in June 2025 and overstayed her permitted duration. The agency has faced criticism for its aggressive enforcement policies, particularly under the Trump administration, which increased arrest quotas for ICE agents. Reports indicate that ICE agents are under pressure to meet these quotas, leading to the detention of individuals who previously might have received leniency, such as spouses of U.S. veterans.
Criticism of Immigration Enforcement
The case of Marie-Thérèse Ross highlights ongoing concerns regarding ICE's treatment of vulnerable individuals, particularly the spouses of military personnel. Critics argue that the agency's practices are excessively punitive and fail to consider the humanitarian aspects of individual cases. The detention of Ross has drawn attention to the broader implications of U.S. immigration policies, especially as they pertain to elderly individuals and those with health issues.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Given her age, we really want her to get out of this situation as soon as possible,” — Rodolphe Sambou, Consul General of France in New Orleans
- “They handcuffed her hands and feet like she was a dangerous criminal,” — Marie-Thérèse's son
- “For us it’s urgent to get her out of the detention center and bring her back to France.” — Marie-Thérèse's son
The situation remains fluid as the French government continues to advocate for Ross's release, amid a backdrop of increasing scrutiny of ICE's enforcement practices.
