French Widow’s Return to France After U.S. Immigration Detainment
An elderly French widow has returned to her homeland after being held in U.S. immigration detention for over two weeks. The 85-year-old, Marie-Thérèse Ross, had initially moved to the United States to join her American veteran husband whom she had married last year.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed satisfaction with Ross’s return, stating, “She returned to France this morning. This is a satisfaction for us.” He criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement practices, saying they do not align with French norms.
Ross entered the U.S. in June to live with her husband, a retired soldier who had been stationed in France during the 1960s. After her husband’s death in January, a dispute over his estate led to her detainment. An Alabama judge noted that Ross’ stepson, a U.S. federal employee, may have played a role in her being taken into immigration custody.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that Ross was detained for overstaying her 90-day visa. During this time, she was held at a facility in Louisiana, raising concerns from French officials regarding her well-being.
Ross’ son, Herve Goix, mentioned to The Associated Press that she was applying for a green card when detained. “She’s very tired, she’s not very good, but it’s difficult for her,” Goix said. “We are very, very happy, but we are tired.”
Her attorney, Kim Willingham, reported that Ross was deprived of necessary medication while detained. “She does not feel she or other inmates are being treated well within the facility,” Willingham commented, emphasizing Ross’s compliance with green card procedures.
Ross had moved to Alabama after marrying William B. Ross, relinquishing her pension. Her late husband’s estate, valued under $190,000, became the center of a legal conflict with his two sons. According to Calhoun County Probate Judge Shirley A. Millwood, the stepsons redirected mail, causing Ross to miss an immigration appointment. One stepson, a former state trooper, allegedly used his position to instigate her arrest.
In a court ruling, Millwood directed the stepsons to let Ross collect her belongings from her deceased husband’s home and urged a federal investigation into her arrest. The stepson disputed his involvement, although evidence suggested prior knowledge of the arrest.
Attorney Megan Huizinga, representing the stepsons, declined to comment, and the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to inquiries. Meanwhile, the Anniston police confirmed their non-involvement in the arrest.
