Maisa Lopes Eliaser, married to an active-duty Army staff sergeant, was released from ICE custody after being returned to the U.S. from a deportation flight to Brazil. Her husband, Staff Sergeant Alexis Jaramillo, has served in the Army for 11 years. Eliaser, a 32-year-old Brazilian national without a criminal record, was taken into custody on July 8 during an adjustment-of-status interview in Montgomery, Alabama.
Her case gained national attention amidst increased scrutiny of immigration enforcement affecting military families. Congressional Democrats have launched an investigation into detentions and deportations impacting military relatives. Some lawmakers and activists have called for a review of her situation and similar cases.
Eliaser told the Associated Press about her experience, stating, “It felt like I was in a nightmare.” She explained that she could not process what was happening until she returned home, and is attempting to heal from the trauma day by day.
“I feel really betrayed,” Jaramillo expressed, stating his disappointment in the process. “We were very excited because we knew we were doing the right thing. Then two people came and told me she was going to be detained.”
Eliaser was aboard a deportation flight when ICE officers received a call asking if she wanted to return to the United States or continue to Brazil. She chose to return and remained on the plane as it dropped off other deportees in Brazil before heading back to Louisiana.
Before her flight, she was held in immigration custody for over a month. Jaramillo, along with their son and a translator, attended the immigration interview expecting to complete Eliaser’s process to obtain lawful permanent residency through marriage. Instead, officials detained her.
A DHS spokesperson commented, “Having a family member in the military is not a free pass to violate our nation’s laws.” They explained that Eliaser entered the U.S. legally on June 18, 2019, but overstayed her visa after December 17, 2019. A Justice Department immigration judge issued a final removal order on April 15, 2026. Eliaser’s case highlights the rising number of military family members detained during former President Trump’s administration, where over 50 have been detained, and at least six deported, according to the AP.
More than 60 lawmakers have signed a letter addressing this issue, stating that these actions threaten military readiness and morale. Senator Mark Kelly, a former Navy officer, criticized the focus on military families rather than individuals who commit crimes.
Green Cards for Military Families
U.S. immigration law offers special pathways to green cards for military families, aiming to keep service members with their loved ones. Family members can qualify for green cards through the traditional family-based immigration system, but with additional flexibility. U.S. citizen service members can sponsor spouses or unmarried children under 21 as ‘immediate relatives,’ often bypassing annual visa limits and long waits.
Programs such as marriage-based green cards or fiance visas (K‑1) ensure couples can reunite in the U.S., marry, and then apply for permanent residency. These applications often receive expedited attention due to military deployments and relocations. Family members already in the U.S. can generally apply without leaving the country, even in complicated cases involving undocumented spouses or children.
Current Status
The reasons for Eliaser’s removal from the deportation flight remain unexplained. Her immigration status is currently unclear, but Eliaser has a scheduled immigration appointment. Her family hopes this will allow her case to progress and eventually secure her a green card.
“We are really scared about it, but we have to go,” Jaramillo shared their concerns as the appointment approaches.