The recent detention of Deisy Rivera Ortega by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during an immigration appointment in El Paso, Texas, on April 14, 2023, has raised serious concerns regarding the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws and the treatment of individuals with legal protections. This incident not only affects Rivera Ortega but also has profound implications for her husband, Jose Serrano, a veteran who has served in the military for 27 years.
According to documents, Rivera Ortega entered the United States in 2016 and was granted legal protection in 2019 that prohibits her deportation to El Salvador. Despite this legal status, the Department of Homeland Security stated that she had entered the country illegally—a claim that complicates her situation further. On December 12, 2019, she was ordered deported after what authorities described as ‘full due process,’ yet she remained protected from removal due to her legal circumstances.
At the time of her detention, Rivera Ortega was employed at two hotels within Fort Bliss and held an active work permit. Her husband, Serrano, submitted a Parole in Place application on her behalf, which remains pending—adding another layer of uncertainty to their situation. Serrano expressed his distress over the potential consequences of his wife’s deportation, stating that if she were sent to Mexico, he would likely be unable to visit her without jeopardizing his military career.
In a striking comment reflecting on the current climate of immigration enforcement, Serrano articulated his confusion: “I don’t really understand why, because she followed the rules of immigration by the T since day one.” His sentiments echo a broader concern among military families regarding ICE’s recent actions; historically, ICE has refrained from detaining immediate relatives of U.S. service members but has increasingly deviated from this practice in recent years.
Legal experts have also weighed in on this case. Matthew Kozik, an attorney representing Rivera Ortega, filed a habeas petition arguing that her detention is unlawful given her established legal protections. He described the situation as “absurd,” highlighting the contradictions inherent in ICE’s actions against individuals who have complied with immigration laws.
Additionally troubling is the fact that Rivera Ortega has been informed she could face deportation to a third country—specifically Mexico—where she has no familial ties or support network. This potential outcome raises critical questions about human rights and due process within the current immigration system.
As Serrano grapples with the emotional toll of his wife’s detention—reportedly sleeping only two hours per night since it occurred—the couple’s future hangs in a precarious balance. Details remain unconfirmed regarding why Rivera Ortega was detained despite her legal protections or how long she may remain in custody at the El Paso processing center.
With uncertainties surrounding both her pending Parole in Place application and ICE’s rationale for detaining someone with established legal protections, further developments are anticipated as advocates continue to press for clarity and justice in this troubling case.
