A woman from Kentucky, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has been detained by federal authorities during an immigration interview, her attorney reports. Armelle Bondonga, who entered the U.S. on a visa in 2013, was apprehended on August 12. This occurred during a marriage-based application interview attended by her American husband and their 18-month-old child.
According to her attorney, Arianit Osmani, Bondonga and her husband were attempting to navigate the legal process to correct her immigration status. Despite following the legal protocol, she was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after the interview. Osmani emphasized Bondonga’s compliance, stating, “She voluntarily appeared for the interview as part of the lawful process.” The lawyer noted concerns, given her marriage to a U.S. citizen and their young child.
“I do not want to speculate about ICE’s motives or characterize the government’s intentions. What I can say is that the circumstances are deeply concerning,” Osmani stated.
While Bondonga remains in custody, her husband, Terrance Bradshaw, faces the challenge of solo parenting their young son. Osmani expressed the emotional and practical strain this situation places on the family.
ICE officials confirmed Bondonga’s legal entry in 2013, with her visa expiring in March 2014. They highlighted her unlawful presence in the U.S. since then, and a judge’s removal order in 2025. An ICE spokesperson stated, “She overstayed her welcome… under the Obama administration began accruing more than a decade’s worth of unlawful presence.” They encouraged illegal aliens to use the CBP Home App for voluntary departure.
Kentucky State Representative Nima Kulkarni, who met with Bondonga, criticized ICE’s actions as inhumane and political. Kulkarni described Bondonga’s ordeal in detention, where she slept on a concrete floor on her first night. Despite her circumstances, Bondonga focused on her family and fellow detainees, emphasizing mutual support and prayer.
“She barely talked about herself. Instead, she focused on her family and community,” Kulkarni said.
Kulkarni argued Bondonga exemplifies the immigrants the U.S. should welcome. She lamented policies that target attendees of routine green card interviews, highlighting Bondonga’s positive community contributions. In high school, Bondonga co-founded Future Ancestors, a group advocating for social justice.
Her former teacher, Ryan Davis, shared his emotional response, expressing the desire to reunite Bondonga with her family. Davis said, “There’s so many people in this community that love [Bondonga].” Bondonga herself has spoken about fleeing the Congo’s difficult conditions, wanting to use her U.S. freedom to speak and advocate.
Osmani noted that Bondonga’s husband has filed an I-130 petition to recognize their relationship, stressing the severe impact of their separation, especially on their young child. He urged for her case to be reconsidered thoughtfully before any action is taken.