French diplomatic officials are urging the United States Department of Homeland Security to free an elderly French woman who remains in immigration detention after being arrested in Alabama earlier this month.
Immigration enforcement officers took Marie-Therese Ross, 86, into custody on April 1 following the expiration of her 90-day visitor visa, federal authorities confirmed. The French widow is currently housed at an immigration detention center in Louisiana.
The case represents part of the broader immigration enforcement efforts under the current administration’s deportation policies, which have included detention of military family members who previously may have received more lenient treatment under prior guidelines.
France’s Consul General in New Orleans, Rodolphe Sambou, confirmed to reporters that his government has “fully mobilized” efforts to secure her freedom. The diplomat has made two personal visits to see Ross during her detention.
“Given her age, we really want her to get out of this situation as soon as possible,” Sambou stated. “We want to get her out of jail.”
The consul general explained that he maintains regular contact with Ross’s relatives and French diplomatic personnel in Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Paris as part of coordinated efforts to arrange her release while ensuring she receives adequate meals and medical attention. French officials have also reached out directly to the Department of Homeland Security.
Sambou chose not to discuss specifics regarding her immigration status or other case details.
County marriage documentation reveals that Ross wed William Ross, an Alabama resident, in April of the previous year. According to his family’s published obituary, William Ross passed away this past January after serving as a captain in the United States Army.
An attorney handling a separate legal issue for Ross has not yet responded to inquiries for comment. Family members have also not replied to requests for statements.
