French Widow's Detention in US Sparks Outcry

May 13, 2026

80 min

May 13, 2026 02:31

85-year-old French widow caught in Trump's immigration crackdown describes her detention

## Arrest and Detention

Marie-Thérèse Ross-Mahe, an 85-year-old French widow of a U.S. veteran, was detained in Alabama for overstaying her visa. Her arrest on April 1, 2026, was part of a broader immigration crackdown under the Trump administration. She spent 16 days in a Louisiana detention facility before being released and returning to France.

## Experience in Detention

Ross described the detention center as noisy, with constant shouting from guards and crying children. She was held in a dormitory with 58 other women, many of whom were separated from their children. Despite the harsh conditions, she experienced moments of kindness from fellow detainees, who called her "Grandma."

## Impact on Views

The experience altered Ross's perception of the United States and its immigration policies. She had previously viewed the U.S. as a land of freedom and fairness but was shocked by the treatment of immigrants. Her late husband was a Trump supporter, and they often watched Fox News together, but her firsthand experience changed her perspective.

## Family and Legal Issues

Following her husband's death in January, a dispute over his estate led to complications with her immigration status. An Alabama judge noted that her stepsons, particularly one with a federal job, may have influenced her detention. The stepson denied any involvement.

## Ongoing Recovery

Now back in France, Ross is dealing with emotional distress and memory issues. She plans to seek medical help for symptoms resembling post-traumatic stress. Despite her ordeal, she remains concerned about the women she met in detention, many of whom were from South America and separated from their families.

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