ICE Detains Army Soldier’s Newlywed Wife at Military Base
An incident involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has led to the detention of Annie Ramos, the newlywed wife of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Matthew Blank. This event took place at Fort Polk, Louisiana, shortly after the couple’s marriage on April 2. Their family had gathered at the military base to assist with Ramos’s registration as a military spouse.
Details of the Detention
While attempting to complete her registration and move in, Ramos was detained by ICE agents. According to Sergeant Blank, an unexpected visit to the base in pursuit of establishing a life together with his wife resulted in her removal from his side. “I never imagined that trying to do the right thing… would lead to her being taken away from me,” he stated, expressing his anguish over the situation.
The Legal Background
Annie Ramos, a 22-year-old originally from Honduras, has been in the U.S. since she was a toddler. An immigration attorney representing the family revealed that she has faced a removal order since she was 20 months old, issued in 2005. This order poses a threat of her deportation back to a country she does not know.
- Name: Annie Ramos
- Age: 22
- Spouse: U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Matthew Blank, 23
- Place of Detention: ICE facility in Basile, Louisiana
- Date of Marriage: April 2, 2023
- Initial Removal Order: April 7, 2005
Advocacy for Ramos
Ramos is also eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) but faces hurdles due to ongoing legal challenges surrounding the program. She had previously received a scholarship from TheDream.US, aimed at aiding undocumented youth in their education.
Gaby Pacheco, president of TheDream.US, criticized the detention, stating, “Detaining a 22-year-old biochemistry student… doesn’t make us safer; it weakens a military family.” Pacheco emphasized the need for more humane treatment of military families, calling for Ramos’s release and a reevaluation of current policies.
Official Response
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security affirmed that Ramos was detained following her attempt to enter the military facility without legal status. They reiterated the commitment to enforcing the law, citing her illegal entry into the U.S. in February 2005 and the subsequent failure to attend her immigration hearing.
A Family’s Plea
Ramos’s mother-in-law, Jen Rickling, spoke fondly of her, highlighting her character: “She is kind, smart, and dedicated.” Rickling expressed a belief in the potential for a more compassionate approach to immigration issues, particularly concerning families impacted by military service.
As Sergeant Blank prepares for possible overseas deployments, he remains resolute in his efforts to secure his wife’s release. “I will stand by her, no matter what it takes,” he stated, demonstrating his commitment to both his service and his family.
