An 86-year-old woman from Nantes is currently being held in a detention facility in Louisiana after moving to the United States to reunite with her long-lost partner.
Marie-Thérèse traveled to the US in June 2025 after reconnecting with an American man named Billy, whom she first met in the 1960s. At the time, Billy was stationed at a NATO base in Saint-Nazaire, while she worked as a secretary. Their relationship faded when he returned to the US in 1966, and both later built separate lives and families.
A Love Rekindled After Decades
The pair reconnected in 2010 and stayed in touch over the years. By 2022, both had lost their spouses and decided to start a relationship again. Their bond quickly grew stronger, and they got married last year. Marie-Thérèse then moved to Alabama to live with Billy and began the process of applying for a green card.
However, her situation took a difficult turn when Billy passed away suddenly in January. His death left her immigration status uncertain, as her application was still under review.
Arrest and Detention Raise Concerns
Earlier this month, immigration officials arrested Marie-Thérèse in Anniston. According to her family, officers treated her like a dangerous criminal, placing her in handcuffs during the arrest.
Authorities later confirmed that a person matching her identity had overstayed a 90-day visa. Her family insists she was following legal procedures and waiting for her residency approval.
Family Dispute Adds Pressure
Following Billy’s death, tensions reportedly grew between Marie-Thérèse and her late husband’s son over inheritance matters. Her family claims that the situation escalated, with allegations of threats and attempts to isolate her by cutting off basic utilities.
She had hired legal support and was scheduled to attend a court hearing regarding the dispute. However, immigration officials detained her just one day before that hearing.
Diplomatic Support and Ongoing Case
Officials from French Foreign Ministry have stepped in and provided consular assistance. Marie-Thérèse has already received a visit from French representatives while in detention.
At this stage, there is no confirmed link between the family dispute and her arrest. The case remains under review as her legal team works to resolve her immigration status.
