An 85-year-old widow of an American military veteran was released from U.S. Federal immigration detention and returned to France on Friday, French officials confirmed.
The woman, whose name has not been publicly released by either French or U.S. Authorities, had been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for over two months following a routine check-in related to her immigration status. She had been living in the United States under a visa waiver program but overstayed her permitted period after arriving to visit family in 2023.
Her detention drew attention after her family and legal advocates raised concerns about her age, health conditions — including limited mobility and a heart condition — and her late husband’s service in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Her husband, a naturalized U.S. Citizen, passed away in 2020 after more than 40 years of residence in the United States.
French consular officials in Washington, D.C., engaged with ICE and the Department of Homeland Security throughout her detention, requesting her release on humanitarian grounds. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs confirmed her return to France on Friday, stating that she arrived at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport in the morning and was met by family members.
A spokesperson for the ministry said, “We welcomed her return and reiterated our expectation that individuals in similar situations be treated with dignity and in accordance with international obligations.” The spokesperson declined to provide further details about the case, citing privacy protections.
ICE did not respond to requests for comment regarding the specifics of her detention or release. The agency has previously stated that detention decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as flight risk and public safety, while noting that elderly individuals are not categorically exempt from enforcement.
The woman’s family said in a brief statement released through a French advocacy group that she is “recovering from the ordeal” and wishes to remain private. They thanked French officials and legal representatives in the U.S. For their assistance.
Her case has been cited by immigrant rights organizations as an example of the human impact of immigration enforcement on elderly long-term residents, particularly those with familial ties to U.S. Veterans or citizens. No changes to her immigration status or future eligibility to return to the United States have been disclosed by either government.
