ICE Has Detained Over 50 Military Spouses and Parents

More than 50 parents and spouses of active-duty U.S. troops have been detained by immigration agents since January 2025. At least six have been deported. Eight remain in federal custody. One self-deported. 

The detentions follow a policy change issued by ICE in April 2025 stating that "military service alone does not exempt aliens from the consequences of violating U.S. immigration laws." Previous administrations — including Trump's first term — largely shielded the immediate families of service members from deportation. Processing times for military parole-in-place, a key legal protection for troops' relatives, have more than doubled to 12 months under the current administration.

Dan Gividen, a former deputy ICE chief counsel, said agents in prior administrations "would not place them into removal proceedings, period. That's insane."

Military Families Detained by ICE: The Cases

Many detentions happened not during raids, but at routine immigration appointments when families were following the law.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Wendy Gbeve's father was detained at a USCIS interview in Missouri and deported to Mexico within two weeks. "It's the most frustrating, helpless feeling," she said.

Army Sgt. Hedar Leonel Turcios Juarez's wife was detained outside a Walmart in July, in front of their 6-year-old daughter. Army Staff Sgt. Alexis Jaramillo's wife was taken during a USCIS appointment in Alabama; he was placed on administrative leave to care for their 5-year-old stepson.

Marine Cpl. Jose Manuel Vilchis-Valle's mother — a U.S. resident since the 1990s with no criminal record — was detained and deported within a week of his enlistment.

Real-World Consequences

At least one soldier delayed an imminent overseas deployment after her husband was detained. Immigration attorney and retired Army Reserve Lt. Col. Margaret Stock said the detentions prevent soldiers from "concentrating on their job anymore."

Military recruiters have long used immigration protections as an enlistment incentive. Army and National Guard recruiters continue to promote it.

The issue has drawn bipartisan concern. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) called it evidence the "immigration system is failing honorable and good Americans." Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-CA), a former undersecretary of defense, introduced legislation to protect troops' family members.