Liz Faras-Mendez, a Puerto Rican soldier currently serving overseas, is fervently advocating for the release of her husband, a Venezuelan national, who has been held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in San Antonio, Texas since October 2025.
The man, who is the father of a ten-year-old daughter, entered the United States in 2024 through the CHNV humanitarian parole program, which was designed for Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, Cubans, and Haitians, as reported by Telemundo 51.
Upon his arrival, he married the soldier and filed for permanent residency based on his marriage to a military citizen, with all paperwork in progress at the time of his apprehension.
He was taken into custody during his annual immigration check-in, a visit during which Liz was present, unsuspecting of the impending arrest.
"We were confident. I specifically accompanied him to the San Antonio location in Texas. Once we arrived, and he went in for his appointment, he was detained," Liz recounted.
The soldier revealed that following his detention, her husband has lost 25 pounds and developed hypertension, necessitating daily medication.
Similar Incidents Highlight Policy Criticism
This incident is not isolated. Earlier this month, Annie Ramos, a young Honduran woman and wife of a U.S. Army soldier, was released after spending nearly a week in a federal immigration detention center. Her arrest occurred on a military base in Louisiana.
The 22-year-old was detained while attempting to register at the base where her husband, First Sergeant Matthew Blank, is stationed, aiming to secure military benefits and start her permanent residency process.
Her situation sparked a public outcry, particularly among critics of former President Donald Trump's immigration policies, who warned that such actions could undermine troop morale, especially when soldiers are preparing for deployment.
Understanding Humanitarian Parole and ICE Detentions
What is the CHNV humanitarian parole program?
The CHNV humanitarian parole program is a U.S. initiative that allows Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, Cubans, and Haitians to enter the United States temporarily under special conditions, often due to crises in their home countries.
Why was Liz Faras-Mendez's husband detained by ICE?
He was detained during his annual immigration appointment despite having an ongoing application for permanent residency based on his marriage to a U.S. military citizen.
How have similar incidents affected public opinion?
Such incidents have led to public outcry, particularly affecting those critical of strict immigration policies, as they believe these measures could negatively impact military families and morale.