Urgent: ICE Threatens Deportation of Irish Grandmother After 10 Years

UPDATE: A 58-year-old Irish grandmother is facing imminent deportation from the United States after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a decades-old incident involving a $25 cheque. Donna Brown, who emigrated to the U.S. nearly 50 years ago, was arrested upon her return from Ireland in July 2023 and has spent over 30 days in detention in Kentucky.

Brown, a legal resident alien but not a U.S. citizen, was apprehended at customs in Chicago after attending a family funeral. Her husband, Jim Brown, argues that the situation is unjust, stating, “You don’t arrest 58-year-old grandmothers. It’s just wrong. She hasn’t committed crimes.” He is advocating for her release, claiming the government’s decision is a result of aggressive immigration policies enacted during the Trump administration.

Legal documents reveal that a decade ago, Donna wrote a bad cheque for $25, which she repaid and for which she received probation. However, the government now categorizes this incident as a “crime of moral turpitude,” a designation that could lead to her deportation. Jim expressed outrage, stating, “It’s egregious that we have allowed a government to allow this to happen.”

The couple has been married for eight years, and Jim believes this should protect her from deportation. He has taken to social media and local news outlets to protest her detention, referring to the conditions in which she is being held as “deplorable.” He emphasized, “She’s been in this country 47 years, is married, with five kids and five grandkids, and you’re telling me she’s a flight risk?”

The urgency of this case has prompted the creation of a GoFundMe campaign to assist with legal fees and support Jim in his fight for justice. The appeal highlights the couple’s contributions to their community, describing them as “hard-working, honest, and caring individuals.”

In a statement, Jim said, “My wife is not a criminal,” and he vowed to continue fighting for her release while managing their nine-acre farm near Troy, Missouri. As the situation develops, many are calling attention to the broader implications of such immigration enforcement actions, especially against long-term residents.

This case shines a light on the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies in the U.S. and raises questions about the treatment of individuals who have built their lives in the country. Many advocates are rallying for reforms to prevent similar situations from affecting others.

As the clock ticks, the Brown family is left in suspense, waiting for a resolution that could change their lives forever. Jim is urging others to stand up against what he sees as a flawed system, stating, “It’s crazy that this is even allowed in this country.”

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as it unfolds.