A mother from the UK was taken into custody during a meeting at a US immigration office, holding her infant son while her American spouse witnessed the distressing event.
The woman’s husband, Stephen Paul, expressed shock as US ICE agents detained his British wife during their visit for her Green Card interview in San Diego. Despite having no criminal record and being in the final stages of obtaining permanent residency, Katie was apprehended by ICE officials, even though the couple had been informed that her visa overstay would not pose an issue during the Green Card process.
A Green Card, also referred to as a Permanent Resident Card, grants non-citizens the right to reside and work in the United States permanently.
Originally planning to return to the UK and await entry last fall, Katie’s plans shifted upon discovering her pregnancy, prompting the couple to apply for the Green Card while in the US due to the high-risk nature of her pregnancy. Their immigration lawyer had assured them that this course of action was acceptable given their marital status.
Stephen narrated the distressing moment when his wife was arrested at the immigration office, recalling her confusion and their desperate pleas to prevent her separation from the family. Heartbreakingly, Stephen had to comfort their crying baby after the separation, struggling to gather information about his wife’s whereabouts.
After finally speaking to Katie on Thursday night, Stephen revealed her fear, anxiety, and longing to return home. The emotional toll on the father was evident as he described the challenges of caring for their baby without his wife by his side.
NBC News confirmed Katie’s presence in detainee locator records, adding further weight to the family’s ordeal.