HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Army sergeant's wife detained at green card interview, family separated

Jul 8, 2026 · Montgomery, AL, Brazil

Army sergeant's wife detained at green card interview, family separated

Maisa Lopes Eliaser, a 32-year-old Brazilian national with no criminal record, was detained by ICE on July 8, 2026, during a scheduled green card adjustment-of-status interview in Montgomery, Alabama. She is married to Staff Sergeant Alexis Jaramillo, an active-duty Army soldier of 11 years. Lopes Eliaser legally entered the U.S. on June 18, 2019, with authorization to remain until December 2019, but overstayed her visa. She had previously applied for asylum and later sought permanent residency through marriage; her green card petition had been approved before her detention. Immigration officials indicated she missed a biometrics appointment related to her asylum case, resulting in a removal order from an immigration judge on April 15, 2026. She is currently held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Basile, Louisiana. Jaramillo stated he feels "betrayed" by the detention, believing the family was completing the legal process for her permanent residency. The detention has caused panic attacks for Jaramillo and emotional distress for their young stepson. Her case is now before the Board of Immigration Appeals.

Timeline

Jul 8, 2026Lopes Eliaser detained by ICE during scheduled green card adjustment-of-status interview in Montgomery, Alabama; family separated; case goes before Board of Immigration Appeals
Apr 15, 2026Immigration judge issues final removal order against Lopes Eliaser after she misses biometrics appointment for asylum case
Jun 18, 2019Maisa Lopes Eliaser legally enters the United States on a visa authorized until December 2019

Sources

More incidents in Alabama