Atlanta, April 15, 2026 The French government is urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to release 86-year-old Marie-Therese Ross, a French widow detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Alabama for overstaying her 90-day visa.
Background of the Case
Marie-Therese Ross, an 86-year-old French national, was detained by ICE agents in Alabama on April 1, 2026, after overstaying her 90-day visa. According to Calhoun County marriage records, Ross married Alabama resident William Ross in April 2025, making her a widow following his passing.
Ross is currently being held at a federal immigration detention facility in Louisiana, a situation that has drawn sharp criticism from French officials. The French government has formally intervened, pressing U.S. authorities for her immediate release on humanitarian grounds.
French Government's Response
The French government has taken a strong stance on Ross’s detention, citing her advanced age and widowhood as reasons for urgent intervention. French officials have emphasized the need for compassionate treatment, arguing that detaining an elderly widow in a federal facility is disproportionate to her visa violation.
While specific diplomatic channels have not been disclosed, sources indicate that high-level discussions are underway between French and U.S. authorities. The case has also attracted attention from advocacy groups, who argue that Ross’s detention reflects broader concerns about ICE’s handling of elderly detainees.