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María Úrsula Valle, a 54-year-old Mexican immigrant, was arrested on Monday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while attending a scheduled immigration appointment, according to reports from the channel Telemundo 51.
His three children are United States citizens; one of them, José Manuel Vilchis, is a United States Marine.
"She had a hearing to obtain her parole in place, and what ICE did was detain her and not allow her to leave," recounted the young man, who also expressed his disappointment: "I gave four years of my life to this country. And I feel that it is an honor to be here, that this is my country, but that this country does not want my mother makes me feel terrible, and that hurts me and my sisters, because she is the only parent we have in this country."
The youngest daughter, Mía Vilchis, who is studying nursing, stated that her mother “is a very kind lady.” She also expressed concern for María Úrsula's health, who “needs her medications as she suffered a stroke in 2021”, she shared in an exclusive conversation with the mentioned outlet.
The parole in place is a discretionary measure that the United States government may grant to immediate family members of active military personnel or veterans, with the aim of authorizing their temporary stay in the country despite an irregular entry. The decision is made “on a case-by-case basis” for humanitarian reasons or significant public interest.
The immigration attorney John De La Vega, not connected to the case, explained to Telemundo that “what is called military parole in place is a benefit for those soldiers in the armed forces to be able to, let’s say, rectify the irregular entry of a family member and thus issue a parole. The United States government has historically categorized these cases as, let’s say, non-priorities for deportation.”
The family of María Úrsula stated that they believed the meeting was to advance the immigration process. They are now hoping to reach out to congress members to prevent a possible deportation. “She is hopeful that her congress member can assist them in the case and prevent the deportation of María Úrsula,” noted the channel.
The case of María Úrsula occurs amid a significant increase in detentions by ICE, including individuals with no criminal records. In June, 36% of the immigrants arrested in Florida had no criminal history, according to data from the University of California, Berkeley Deportation Data Project. Since May, an executive order established a quota of 3,000 arrests daily, which intensified operations in neighborhoods, workplaces, and immigration appointments.
So far this year, ICE has made over 149,000 arrests, driven by the hardline immigration policy implemented after Donald Trump's return to the White House.
On June 23rd, Cuban Rogelio González Moya, 26 years old, was arrested in Miami after attending an appointment with ICE, despite having no prior offenses and being under immigration supervision.
It was also reported that the young Cuban Laritza López Rodríguez was deported, having claimed she was violently arrested by ICE while in medical recovery.
Another young Cuban was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona, despite having a valid work permit and having applied for residency two years ago. She was released after a month, on bail and wearing an ankle monitor.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of María Úrsula Valle by ICE
Why was María Úrsula Valle arrested by ICE?
María Úrsula Valle was detained by ICE while attending a scheduled appointment with immigration, where she hoped to progress in her parole in place process.
What is parole in place and how does it affect María Úrsula Valle?
Parole in place is a discretionary measure for family members of active military or veterans that allows them to remain temporarily in the U.S. despite an irregular entry. María Úrsula was in the process of obtaining this benefit because her son is a Marine, but she was detained before she could achieve it.
What impact does the arrest of María Úrsula Valle have on her family?
The arrest of María Úrsula has caused a strong emotional impact on her family. Her son, José Manuel Vilchis, expressed feeling disappointed and hurt, as he believes that the country he has served does not want his mother. Furthermore, her youngest daughter, Mía Vilchis, is worried about her mother's health, who needs medication after suffering a stroke in 2021.
What measures is María Úrsula Valle's family taking to prevent her deportation?
The family is seeking the support of lawmakers to prevent María Úrsula's deportation. They hope that legislative intervention can help resolve her immigration situation and allow her to remain in the United States with her children.
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