Deisy Rivera Ortega, wife of a US Army sergeant and Afghanistan war veteran, has been released from immigration detention following a federal review of her case. Her lawyer confirmed the development in a statement shared with media outlets.
Rivera Ortega, originally from El Salvador, was taken into custody on 14 April during a scheduled immigration appointment in El Paso, Texas. She had attended the meeting with her husband, Sergeant Jose Serrano, as part of an ongoing application for immigration relief.
Serrano, who has served nearly 28 years in the US Army and is a Puerto Rico born US citizen, said the detention left him deeply distressed and confused.
Arrest during immigration appointment
According to statements from the family and legal filings, the couple attended the appointment while preparing documents for a parole in place request. This program is designed to allow military families to remain in the United States while immigration cases are processed.
During the appointment, immigration officers questioned the paperwork. Soon after, Rivera Ortega was separated from her husband and placed in detention.
Legal background and court order
In 2019, an immigration judge issued a removal order against Rivera Ortega. The same ruling also granted withholding of removal protections under international torture prevention rules. This meant authorities could not deport her to El Salvador due to safety concerns.
Following her arrest, officials considered alternative removal options, including transfer to a third country, according to statements from legal representatives.
Release with strict conditions
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed her release from detention. However, she must follow several conditions, including wearing a GPS monitoring device, attending mandatory home visits, and reporting regularly to immigration officers.
Family response
Serrano later shared that he and his wife were reunited and returning home after her release. He expressed relief after weeks of uncertainty.
Her attorney also welcomed the decision, stating that the family could now continue the legal process outside detention.
