ICE Detains 86-Year-Old French Woman After Visa Overstay, Sparking Controversy

ICE detains French woman

Exceeded 90-day stay

Controversy over advanced age

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed on Wednesday the detention of an 86-year-old French immigrant in the United States.

Marie-Therese Helene Ross was arrested on April 1, according to the EFE agency.

The woman had exceeded the permitted stay under the Visa Waiver Program, which allows visitors to remain in the country for up to 90 days.

Why it matters: The case has drawn attention due to her age and the conditions under which she was arrested and transferred.

ICE detains 86-year-old French woman

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that it has in custody an 86-year-old French immigrant, detained after exceeding the 90-day stay allowed under the Visa Waiver Program… pic.twitter.com/rLQcDmKk5D

— Radio América HN (@radioamericahn) April 15, 2026

ICE explained that Marie-Therese Helene Ross last entered the United States in June 2025 under the Visa Waiver Program.

This program allows certain foreign nationals to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days.

“Seven months later, she remains illegally in the United States,” authorities stated.

You may also like: Video Shows Tense ICE Operation Against Driver at Maryland Gas Station

The agency referred to her as an “undocumented foreign national.”

The arrest took place at her residence in Anniston, a small city where she had been living.

The case has attracted public attention due to her advanced age.

Family claims lack of notification

Marie-Thérèse, une Française de 86 ans, est détenue par l’ICE depuis près de dix jourshttps://t.co/nKYVrZ3b6E

— Arnaud@Thurudev (@arnaud_thurudev) April 12, 2026

One of Marie-Therese Helene Ross’ sons told the French newspaper Ouest-France that the family was not informed of the arrest.

According to his account, they learned about the ICE detention only after French consular officials visited her.

The family also stated that she was handcuffed during the operation.

She was later transferred to a detention center in Louisiana.

The outlet The Guardian reported that Ross had moved to the United States to get married.

According to that report, she had reunited with a former partner.

She was also awaiting paperwork related to her permanent residency.

ICE under scrutiny over detentions

The detention comes amid growing criticism of ICE over its treatment of vulnerable individuals.

The agency has been criticized for holding elderly people in custody.

It has also faced scrutiny for detaining infants, including newborns.

These practices have raised concerns about health conditions in detention centers.

In February, a 79-year-old Cuban immigrant was released after spending nine months in detention.

The case, known as “the grandmother,” occurred in a jail in Arizona.

During her detention, her physical and mental health reportedly deteriorated.

Her release came after intervention by Adelita Grijalva.

The case of Ross adds to these precedents and once again brings attention to immigration detention policies in the United States, particularly the ICE detention of elderly individuals.