French Widow Returns After Immigration Detention
PARIS — An 85-year-old French widow has come back to France after enduring 16 difficult days in U.S. immigration custody. Marie-Thérèse Ross moved to the U.S. to start anew with a veteran she met more than fifty years ago.
“She returned to France this morning, which is satisfying for us,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrault mentioned to reporters in Montpellier. He criticized U.S. immigration practices, stating they fall short of French standards and are considered “unacceptable to us.”
Ross entered the United States last June after marrying a retired American soldier who had been stationed in France during the 1960s. Following her husband’s passing in January, a family dispute regarding his inheritance led to complications. Allegations arose that Ross’ son-in-law, a U.S. federal employee, influenced her detention.
On April 1, federal immigration authorities detained Ross in Alabama for exceeding her 90-day visa, as noted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. After concerns for her welfare were raised, she was transferred to a detention center in Louisiana.
Her son, Hervé Gois, conveyed to The Associated Press that she was applying for a green card when she was detained.
“She is very tired and not well, but it is difficult for her,” Gois expressed. “We’re very, very happy, but also exhausted.”
Her attorney, Kim Willingham, mentioned that Ross did not receive the required medication during her detention. “She feels not only poorly treated but believes the conditions affect all inmates,” Willingham added. “She did everything she needed to do for her green card.”
According to court records from Calhoun County, Ross relocated to Alabama last year to marry William B. Ross, giving up her pension in the process. After her husband’s death without an estate plan, his two sons pursued control over assets valued at less than $190,000, which included Ross’ home in Anniston, Alabama.
Probate Judge Shirley A. Millwood highlighted in a recent order that the sons rerouted their stepmother’s mail, resulting in missed immigration appointments. She pointed out that one son, a former Alabama state trooper now serving as a federal employee, allegedly used his position to influence her detention just days before a hearing regarding the estate.
Records indicate Ross was held in a nightgown and wasn’t allowed to have her cell phone or any identification. Though the stepson denied involvement in her arrest, Judge Millwood noted evidence suggesting he was aware of it beforehand and received a text confirming the details soon after her detention. Shortly thereafter, his brother was seen changing the locks on the house.
In an April 10 ruling, Millwood instructed the sons to allow Ross access to her belongings from her late husband’s home.
Additionally, she urged federal authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ross’ arrest, especially in light of broader concerns about trust in federal law enforcement.
The law firm representing Ross’ stepchildren in the estate dispute declined to comment, while the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond. The city of Anniston stated that local police had “no involvement” in Ross’ arrest.
