Urgent Plea: Family Fights Deportation of Irish Grandmother

UPDATE: The family of Donna Hughes Brown, a 58-year-old Irish grandmother facing imminent deportation from the United States, is urgently appealing for her release. Katie Allmon, her stepdaughter, has taken to social media to plead for her stepmother’s right to remain in the country she has called home for nearly 50 years.

Brown was detained by ICE officials upon returning from Ireland after attending a family funeral in July. She has been held at a county jail in Kentucky, awaiting possible deportation due to a legal issue stemming from a bad cheque written a decade ago.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Katie emphasized the profound impact Donna has had on her life. “Donna needs to be home with her family where she belongs,” she declared, highlighting how Donna stepped into the role of a mother figure during challenging times.

Katie, who married her husband with Donna’s support, described her stepmother as a guiding force. “She taught me to stand up for myself and helped me through my first car accident,” Katie wrote. Her emotional appeal gained traction, as she called for support from the community. “I hope that she can find justice soon.”

Authorities report that Donna became a legal resident alien upon emigrating to the U.S. at age 11. However, her previous conviction for writing a bad cheque for $25, which she repaid, has surfaced as a barrier to her immigration status. U.S. immigration laws classify this as a “crime of moral turpitude,” complicating her legal standing.

Amid public outcry, Katie condemned the hateful rhetoric directed at her family online, stating, “What the government is doing to her is wrong.” She urged people to join her in prayers for their family during this distressing time.

Meanwhile, Donna’s husband, Jim Brown, a veteran, is fiercely advocating for her release. Describing the situation as “egregious,” he told local news outlet KMOV, “You don’t arrest 58-year-old grandmothers. It’s just wrong.” Jim argued that their marriage should provide her with protection from deportation, adding, “It’s just not fair.”

Jim’s frustration reflects a growing sentiment among families facing similar threats under aggressive immigration policies. He criticized the government’s actions, stating, “It’s crazy that this is happening. It shouldn’t even be thought that this should be OK.”

As of now, Donna remains in detention, with no clear path to release. Katie and Jim are calling on local representatives and community members to intervene. “I need somebody to have the guts to stand up and say, ‘you know what? This is wrong,’” Jim asserted.

This developing situation highlights the emotional toll on families caught in the crosshairs of immigration enforcement. With the clock ticking, the future remains uncertain for Donna and her loved ones. As appeals continue, the family’s fight for justice is gaining momentum.

Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent story unfolds.