ICE detained a mother who was still breastfeeding. Her Marine veteran husband fights for her freedom
Context:
Paola Clouatre, a mother of two and wife to a Marine veteran, was detained by ICE during a status hearing intended to advance her green card process, due to an unnotified deportation order from 2018. Her husband, Adrian, struggles to manage his work and parenting while fighting for her release, as she continues to pump breast milk in detention for their infant daughter. Despite the Clouatres' efforts to reschedule the hearing after discovering the deportation order, USCIS refused, leading to Paola's arrest. Adrian, dismayed by the focus of immigration policies on non-criminals, has written to President Trump, pleading for his wife's pardon and the chance to adjust her status. Paola's mental health deteriorates under detention conditions, prompting her to seek therapy, while the family awaits a decision on their motion to reopen her immigration case.
Dive Deeper:
Paola Clouatre was detained by ICE agents following a status hearing meant to progress her green card application, due to a previous deportation order issued in 2018 that she was unaware of, as the notice was sent to her estranged mother.
Adrian Clouatre, a Marine veteran, faces the challenges of caring for his young children and working, while also advocating for his wife's release and ensuring she can pump breast milk during her detention.
The family discovered the deportation order only a week before the hearing, and despite their attempts to reschedule, they were forced to proceed, resulting in Paola's arrest due to the outstanding order.
Disheartened by the impact of immigration policies on families like theirs, Adrian has reached out to President Trump, requesting a pardon for his wife and emphasizing the separation’s toll on their family.
Paola's mental health is deteriorating due to the conditions in the detention center, where she struggles with sleep and noise, prompting her to seek therapy while waiting for a legal resolution.
Their lawyer has filed a motion to reopen Paola's case, arguing that she was not properly notified of her initial hearing, and hopes to either have the case dismissed or allow for a status adjustment.
The Clouatres' situation highlights the broader issue of immigration policies affecting non-criminal immigrants, as they balance legal battles and family separation amidst a tough enforcement environment.