NEW ORLEANS — A young woman married to an active-duty U.S. Army staff sergeant walked free Tuesday after spending almost a week in federal immigration custody, following her arrest at a Louisiana military installation.
Annie Ramos, 22, who was born in Honduras but has lived in America since she was a toddler, had been held at an immigration detention center. Her detention sparked criticism of the current administration’s deportation policies, with opponents arguing such actions hurt military morale during wartime.
Both the Department of Homeland Security and Ramos’ mother-in-law, Jen Rickling, verified her release to news outlets. The New York Times was first to report the development.
Immigration officers arrested Ramos while she was trying to complete registration procedures at her husband’s military base to access spousal benefits and begin the process of obtaining permanent residency. She wed Staff Sgt. Matthew Blank this past March. Federal officials said a 2005 immigration court order called for her removal after her family missed a required court appearance.
Both Ramos and her spouse maintain they have been working to secure her legal immigration status, including submitting a DACA application in 2020 that has remained in limbo due to ongoing legal challenges to the program.
“All I have ever wanted is to live with dignity in the country I have called home since I was a baby,” Ramos said in a statement following her release. “I want to finish my degree, continue my education, and serve my community — just as my husband serves our country with honor.”
Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly’s office confirmed the senator contacted DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin about Ramos’ situation. Staff Sgt. Blank has relatives in Arizona.
“I’m happy Annie is back with her husband and family where she belongs,” Kelly stated. “They never should have gone through this painful process, but far too many families like theirs are because of this administration.”
DHS officials told reporters that Ramos was freed under electronic monitoring conditions as her deportation case moves forward through the courts.
“She will receive full due process,” the department stated.
The current administration has eliminated previous policies that provided immigration enforcement protections for military families and veterans’ relatives, despite the military’s use of family protection promises as a recruitment tool.
Ramos indicated she intends to resume her biochemistry studies while focusing on her new marriage.
“As Matthew continues preparing for his long career in the military, my focus now is on securing my status, continuing my studies, and building our life together,” she explained. “We want to create a home, a future, and a family. This experience has been incredibly difficult, but it has also reminded me of the power of faith, love, and community. I am hopeful for what comes next.”
