Woman detained by ICE at green card appointment causes public outcry

In early September 2025, Barbara Gomes Marques was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents following a scheduled green card meeting in downtown Los Angeles, California. Her husband, Tucker May, reported that Marques believed she was nearing citizenship when federal agents separated the couple under the pretext of needing to copy her passport. This alarming incident was not isolated; it also highlighted broader issues within U.S. immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, known for its aggressive stance towards undocumented immigrants and even those with valid documentation. The couple was unaware that Marques was allegedly wanted for a missed court date in 2019, an event that she claimed she was never notified about. Despite her lengthy history in the U.S. on a tourist visa, her detention became a stark example of the complexities involved in the immigration process, where even individuals seeking legal status can find themselves removed from their families. The emotional toll of her detention was evident in May’s firsthand account, where he recounted the difficulty of coming home without his wife and his desperation for help in reuniting with her. With legal representation ongoing, Marques was taken from the Adelanto facility in California to a detention center in Arizona. Reports indicated that she faced challenges traversing these institutions, not only being cut off from her legal counsel and support network but also purportedly receiving inadequate medical care while detained. These actions are perceived as tactics to hinder her defense and the legal avenues available to her as the spouse of a U.S. citizen. Efforts to assist her include a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $31,000 to cover legal fees and garner public support. Her situation resonates deeply emotionally, challenging notions of justice and the process surrounding immigration in America. Underlining the urgency of her case is the looming possibility of deportation, with the couple's attorney arguing for her rights and the miscommunication regarding her alleged past court appearance. May remains a vocal advocate for his wife and is actively seeking help beyond personal networks, appealing to those with authority and resources to intervene and navigate her troubling circumstances.