Wife of U.S. Army Sergeant Detained by ICE at El Paso Immigration Office Amid Parole Review

El Paso, Texas — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained the wife of an active-duty Army sergeant during an immigration appointment in El Paso on April 14, according to her husband and government documents.

Sgt. First Class Jose Serrano, a 27-year military veteran, said his wife, Deisy Rivera Ortega, was arrested while attending an interview at the local immigration office. Rivera Ortega, originally from El Salvador, has been living in the United States since 2016. She previously received protection from deportation to El Salvador under the United Nations Convention Against Torture in 2019 after an immigration judge determined she should not be returned to her home country due to safety concerns.

Despite this protection, the Department of Homeland Security stated Rivera Ortega entered the country illegally and has an outstanding deportation order, classifying her as a “criminal illegal alien” due to a federal misdemeanor conviction for illegal entry. Federal officials indicated her removal to El Salvador is blocked, but she may be deported to a third country, such as Mexico, where she has no established ties.

Serrano, who married Rivera Ortega in 2022, reported that she held a valid U.S. work permit at the time of her detention and was employed at hotels on Fort Bliss. He further explained that the April interview related to an application for Parole in Place—a program intended to protect military spouses lacking legal status from deportation. Her case for Parole in Place remains under review.

ICE confirmed Rivera Ortega was still in custody at the El Paso processing center as of Sunday. Her attorney, Matthew Kozik, has filed a habeas petition in federal court, arguing the detention is unlawful.

Immigrant spouses and parents of U.S. service members have traditionally received discretionary protections from ICE absent serious security risks. However, detentions in these cases have risen following recent changes in federal immigration enforcement priorities. Advocacy groups and military representatives warn this approach is placing additional stress on service members and their families.

As of the latest update, Rivera Ortega remains detained while the legal process continues. No timeline has been provided for a decision on her case or possible deportation to a third country.