Army Sergeant Seeks Delay of Retirement After Wife Released From ICE Detention

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jose Serrano, an Afghanistan war veteran with 27 years of service, said he is delaying his planned retirement to cover legal fees in his wife's immigration case. Serrano told CBS News his wife, Deisy Rivera Ortega, was detained by ICE in mid-April during an immigration appointment in El Paso.

She was released last week after spending a month in detention. Rivera Ortega, a native of El Salvador, received a deportation order in 2019. The Department of Homeland Security said the arrest followed her illegal entry to the United States more than a decade ago.

Ortega was fitted with an ankle monitor before release and must check in regularly at a local agency office. She is also subject to home visits by ICE personnel and cannot leave El Paso without permission. DHS stated that Rivera Ortega will receive full due process. Rivera Ortega said wearing the monitor is uncomfortable but worth it because she is home.

Legal Options Under Review Attorney John B.

U.S. residency through a green card based on her marriage to Serrano. Moore noted that a recent application for Parole-in-Place was denied. Serrano said his wife was informed while in custody that she could be deported to Mexico, where she has no relatives.

He added that military travel restrictions limit his ability to visit certain parts of Mexico. Serrano said the Army and his superiors have been helpful since the detention. He stated that the events have not changed his commitment to military service.