Unexpected Detention
In El Paso, Texas, Sgt. 1st Class Jose Serrano, an active-duty U.S. Army soldier and Afghanistan war veteran, navigates a challenging legal landscape as he fights to keep his wife, Deisy Rivera Ortega, from being deported. Ortega’s detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) originated from a deportation order issued in 2019, alongside her illegal entry into the U.S. over a decade ago.
While the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) highlights the legality of the arrest, Serrano, committed to his military career of nearly three decades, delays his retirement plans to fund legal proceedings and prepare for potential outcomes should Rivera Ortega be deported.
An Emotional Release
Rivera Ortega was held for a month in ICE detention until national attention, brought forth by CBS News, encouraged the involvement of White House border czar Tom Homan and Senator Tammy Duckworth, aiding her release. “I felt very happy,” Rivera Ortega expressed in Spanish, emphasizing disbelief over her release.
Serrano shared the emotional moment, stating his heart raced upon confirmation of his wife’s freedom. Though now fitted with an ankle monitor and bound by strict conditions, Rivera Ortega focuses on her limited freedom, stating, “What’s important is that I’m here.”
Legal Challenges Ahead
The couple must still tackle the likelihood of Rivera Ortega’s deportation to a country she has no ties with. Attempts to nullify her deportation order or grant her permanent residency remain pivotal tasks for her lawyer, John B. Moore, who seeks to reopen her court case or explore alternative legal paths.
Rivera Ortega’s rejected application under Parole-in-Place, a program targeted at military spouses, compounds challenges, as it would have provided a path toward permanent residency. Moore emphasizes, “The point is their hands are not tied,” referring to the discretion immigration officials have in such cases.
Commitment and Love
Despite the ordeal, Serrano remains steadfast in his commitment to the military, praising the support received from his superiors during his wife’s detention. Reflecting on his loyalty to the country, he notes, “I love this country. And I love my job.” The struggle to sustain his wife’s presence in the U.S. encapsulates Serrano’s dedication to both his family and his military service.