ICE agents detain wife of US Army sergeant during appointment in El Paso
Agentes federal immigration officials detained the wife of a Exército Estados Unidos sergeant during an appointment at an immigration office. The case occurred in El Paso, in Texas, on April 14th. The soldier has nearly three decades of service, including a mission on Afeganistão.
The woman, Deisy Rivera Ortega, is of Salvadoran origin and has lived at Estados Unidos since 2016. The couple married in 2022. Ela had an active work permit at the time of her arrest.
Sargento questions the reason for his wife’s arrest
Sgt. First Class Jose Serrano, 51, said he does not understand the action. Ele stated that his wife followed all immigration rules from day one. Serrano gave a statement to CBS News.
The arrest took place at a law firm specializing in immigration. Agentes of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made the arrest. The soldier reported difficulty sleeping since the episode.
- The wife entered the country irregularly, according to Departamento of Segurança Interna (DHS).
- Ela received a deportation order on December 12, 2019 after a complete process.
- DHS classifies her as an illegal immigrant with a conviction for illegal entry, a minor federal crime.
- Rivera Ortega had legal protection since 2019 that prevented its removal to El Salvador.
Autoridades indicate possible removal to another country
DHS reported that Rivera Ortega can be sent to México. Serrano refuted the information. Ele said that his wife has no ties to the neighboring country.
The couple’s lawyer, Matthew Kozik, a Exército veteran and former military lawyer, filed a legal petition against the detention. Kozik considered the situation absurd.
Serrano highlighted the contrast between his service and the agency’s actions. Ele declared love for Exército and only criticized ICE. The sergeant mentioned limitations on visitation if the wife is removed.
Similar Casos involve family members of military personnel
Outro recent episode targeted the wife of a Exército sergeant at a military base in Louisiana. The woman was detained a few days after the wedding, while her husband was preparing for a mission. Ela was released after repercussions in the press.
In May 2025, a veteran’s son was deported to Jamaica. The man was born on an American military base abroad. Autoridades denied US citizenship in the case.
Esses incidents occur in the context of a policy of increasing deportations. The stated focus prioritizes dangerous criminals. Relatos shows impact on military families with a history of service.
Sergeant Military Service Detalhes
Jose Serrano completed 27 years on Exército. Ele served in operations on Afeganistão. The soldier has previously received treatment for traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ele mentioned that Exército supported him throughout his career. Serrano separated the institution from the immigration agency in its statements. The couple faces uncertainty about their immediate future.
Estados Unidos’s Exército referred questions about the case to DHS. Nem neither DHS nor ICE immediately responded to additional requests for comment.
Advogado and family seek legal solution
The defense argues that the detention was illegal. The process is still ongoing. Rivera Ortega remains in ICE custody.
Serrano reported sleeping just two hours a night since his wife’s arrest. Ele expressed concern about the possibility of a prolonged separation.
The episode adds tension to the debate over immigration and active-duty military families.
