US soldier’s wife released after arrest by ICE agents at military base | ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

The wife of a U.S. service member who was detained last week by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at her husband’s Louisiana military base was released from federal custody on Tuesday.

“All I wanted was to live with dignity in the country I’ve called home since I was a baby,” Annie Ramos said in a statement after her release.

Ramos, a Honduran immigrant, came to America as a toddler. In 2005, a deportation order was issued for him after his family missed an immigration hearing. New York Times reported.

In early April, Ramos, now 22, was detained just days after marrying Matthew Blank, 23, a U.S. Army staff sergeant who was preparing to train for duty.

According to the Times, the duo had previously hired a lawyer to help Ramos on his path to citizenship.. In 2020, he applied for protection from deportation under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Daca), but his application was not processed.

His arrest on April 2 occurred after the couple went to a Louisiana base to enroll Ramos in military spousal benefits.

The Department of Homeland Security has filed a final removal order in Ramos’ case, according to the Times. “This administration will not ignore the rule of law,” the ministry said in a statement obtained by the outlet.

Ramos’ focus is on gaining legal status, he said Tuesday.

“I want to finish my degree, continue my education, and serve my community, just as my wife served our country with honor,” he said.

“I am deeply grateful to my husband, Matthew, who never stopped fighting for me, and to our families and community who surround us with love, prayers and support. It is because of them that I am home.”