ICE releases soldier’s wife after arrest that shakes Army family

• ICE releases soldier wife
• Arrest on military base
• Release after family pressure

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released Annie Ramos, the wife of a U.S. Army sergeant, after she had been detained inside a military base in Louisiana.

The case drew attention after the arrest occurred just days after the couple’s wedding, while they were trying to formalize their status as a military family.

ICE releases soldier wife after arrest

NEW: ICE has released the wife of a U.S. Army staff sergeant after she was arrested at the military base where he is stationed, just days after the couple married.

Read more: https://t.co/C5TQdlR3N2 pic.twitter.com/MmHbP4FUCf

— ABC News (@ABC) April 7, 2026

On April 2, 23-year-old Sergeant Matthew Blank went with his wife Annie Ramos, 22, to Fort Polk, Louisiana, according to ABC News.

Family members accompanied them to register Annie Ramos as a military spouse and facilitate her relocation.

During that process, ICE agents entered the base and detained Annie Ramos.

The sergeant’s mother, Jen Rickling, confirmed the events to ABC News.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the arrest occurred “after she attempted to enter a military base.”

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The DHS added that Ramos does not have legal status and has a final deportation order issued in 2005.

According to that version, she entered the United States in February 2005 and failed to attend a migration hearing.

Annie Ramos was later transferred to an ICE detention center in Basile, Louisiana.

Release and reunion with her family

JUST IN: Immigration and Customs Enforcement has released the wife of a U.S. Army staff sergeant after she was arrested at the military base where he is stationed, just days after the couple married.

ABC News’ Jay O’Brien has the latest. https://t.co/wfEmU10KbM pic.twitter.com/2gmS3XAWmD

— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) April 7, 2026

After several days in detention, Annie Ramos was released.

“I am deeply grateful to my husband, Matthew, who never stopped fighting for me,” Ramos said.

She also thanked her family and community for their support, stating that thanks to them “I am home.”

Ramos expressed her desire to remain in the country where she has lived since she was a baby.

“The only thing I have ever wanted is to live with dignity in the country I consider my home,” she said.

She noted that she hopes to finish her degree, continue her studies, and serve her community.

She added that her priority now is to secure her immigration status and build a life with her husband.

For his part, Sergeant Blank questioned the process that led to her detention.

“I never imagined that trying to do the right thing would result in her being taken away from me,” he said.

The soldier stated that he will continue supporting his wife “no matter what.”

Legal context and immigration situation

Attorney Jessie Schreier explained that Annie Ramos, born in Honduras, was 20 months old when she received the deportation order.

She indicated that the order remains active and could be enforced at any time.

This creates a risk of separation for the couple, especially in the event of military deployment for the sergeant.

Ramos qualifies for the DACA program, although her application has not moved forward.

The program remains suspended for new applicants due to a legal dispute.

Additionally, Ramos received a scholarship from TheDream.US for her studies.

Before her release, the organization’s president, Gaby Pacheco, called for her immediate release.

She stated that Annie Ramos’ detention affected a military family and questioned its implications.

Generally, undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens can apply for permanent residency.

There are also support options for family members of military personnel.

However, the DHS reiterated that the deportation order against Ramos remains valid under current law.