PARIS (AP) — An 85-year-old French widow who moved to the U.S. to start a new life with an American military veteran she first met over half a century ago is back in France again after a harrowing 16 days spent in federal immigration custody.
“She returned to France this morning. This is a satisfaction for us,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told reporters on Friday in Montpellier. He condemned the methods used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as not aligning with French standards and labeled them unacceptable.
Marie-Thérèse Ross entered the U.S. in June after marrying a retired U.S. soldier who had been stationed in France in the 1960s. Following her husband's death due to natural causes in January, a dispute over his estate arose. Ross’ stepson, a U.S. federal employee, allegedly had her taken into immigration custody.
Ross was detained in Alabama on April 1 after overstaying her 90-day visa, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. She was held at a facility in Louisiana where French officials raised concerns about her well-being.
Her son, Herve Goix, informed the Associated Press that she had been in the process of obtaining a green card when she was detained. “She’s very tired, she’s not very good, but it’s difficult for her,” he stated.
While in detention, Ross reportedly did not receive necessary medication, according to her attorney, who criticized the facility's treatment. Ross had relocated to Alabama to marry William B. Ross, but after his passing without any estate plans, his sons attempted to claim control over his assets, leading to allegations of manipulation and deceit.
Judge Shirley A. Millwood noted that Ross was taken into custody without her personal items, missing an important immigration appointment due to her stepsons rerouting her mail. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding her arrest is being urged by the court.
Following Ross’ release and return to France, her situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding immigration practices and family disputes that can lead to distressing outcomes.
“She returned to France this morning. This is a satisfaction for us,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told reporters on Friday in Montpellier. He condemned the methods used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as not aligning with French standards and labeled them unacceptable.
Marie-Thérèse Ross entered the U.S. in June after marrying a retired U.S. soldier who had been stationed in France in the 1960s. Following her husband's death due to natural causes in January, a dispute over his estate arose. Ross’ stepson, a U.S. federal employee, allegedly had her taken into immigration custody.
Ross was detained in Alabama on April 1 after overstaying her 90-day visa, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. She was held at a facility in Louisiana where French officials raised concerns about her well-being.
Her son, Herve Goix, informed the Associated Press that she had been in the process of obtaining a green card when she was detained. “She’s very tired, she’s not very good, but it’s difficult for her,” he stated.
While in detention, Ross reportedly did not receive necessary medication, according to her attorney, who criticized the facility's treatment. Ross had relocated to Alabama to marry William B. Ross, but after his passing without any estate plans, his sons attempted to claim control over his assets, leading to allegations of manipulation and deceit.
Judge Shirley A. Millwood noted that Ross was taken into custody without her personal items, missing an important immigration appointment due to her stepsons rerouting her mail. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding her arrest is being urged by the court.
Following Ross’ release and return to France, her situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding immigration practices and family disputes that can lead to distressing outcomes.
