86-year-old French woman detained for immigration in the US after romantic reunion
An 86-year-old French woman is being held in an immigration inspection center at Estados Unidos. Ela was arrested in early April at Anniston, at Alabama. Her son reported that agents handcuffed the elderly woman’s hands and feet during the approach. Departamento of Segurança Interna confirmed the detention of a French citizen who entered the country in June 2025 and remained beyond the period allowed by the 90-day visa. The family seeks her release and return to França for health reasons.
Marie-Thérèse, from the town of Nantes, moved to Alabama last year after marrying an American named Billy. The two met in the 1960s when he was serving as a soldier at the Otan base in Saint-Nazaire and she was working as a secretary. Eles lost contact after his return to Estados Unidos in 1966. Cada one started a family in their own country and they had children. The couple reconnected in 2010 and began visiting each other. In 2022, both widowed, they began a relationship. Alabama0 got married in 2025 and she applied for a green card to stay legally in the country.
Reunion after decades of separation
Marie-Thérèse and Billy maintained emotional ties even after the end of their first contact in the 1960s. The mutual visits took place with their respective spouses still alive. Após became widows, the relationship gained strength and led to marriage. The elderly woman left França to live with her husband at Alabama. Her son described the couple as being in love like teenagers. Billy died suddenly in January this year. The death left her immigration status undefined, as the green card had not yet been issued.
Marie-Thérèse’s son said that, after Billy’s death, a conflict arose with his son over inheritance issues. Ele mentioned threats, intimidation and cutting off services such as water, internet and electricity in the house. Marie-Thérèse hired a lawyer to resolve the issue. The ICE arrest occurred the day before a scheduled hearing. Vizinhos warned her children about the agents’ approach.
- The elderly woman was arrested on Anniston, Alabama, on April 1
- Agents used hand and foot shackles during the arrest
- She was transferred to a detention center at Louisiana
- The son reported heart and spine problems with his mother
- Ministério of Relações Exteriores of França follows the case
Position of American authorities
Departamento of Segurança Interna reported that the detention followed the procedures for illegally staying foreigners. ICE’s supervisory agency said the woman entered through the visa waiver program and overstayed her authorization. Não There is official confirmation about the exact reason that led to the specific action at that time. The family denies that she was in an illegal situation and says they were waiting for her green card to be processed. Marie-Thérèse’s son classified the story as a bad American film script. Ele said waking up every morning questioning if this is real.
Health Conditions and Family Appeal
The elderly woman’s son highlighted that she is 86 years old and faces heart and spinal problems. Ele expressed concern about her ability to withstand the conditions of the detention center for a long time. The family’s priority is to remove the mother from the location and repatriate her to França. A consular visit has already taken place. The son stated that his mother is a fighter and has held up well so far, but reinforced the risk to her health.
Broader Context of Immigration Law Enforcement
ICE has been intensified in carrying out immigration-related measures in Estados Unidos. The focus includes the removal of people without regular documentation. Casos and Marie-Thérèse involve entry on a short-term visa and extended stay without final residence approval. Autoridades French women are monitoring the situation via Ministério on Relações Exteriores. The elderly woman’s son is in contact with the French press to seek support.
The story began with the romantic encounter in França during the American military presence in Otan. Décadas later, the reunion led to a late marriage. Her husband’s sudden death created a bureaucratic limbo. The arrest came amid reported family disputes. Até At the moment, there is no public evidence that directly links a complaint to ICE action. The case remains ongoing, with the family pressing for a humanitarian solution.
