Wife of US Soldier Detained by ICE Released After Intense Backlash

Wed Apr 08 2026 12:59:25 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Annie Ramos, the wife of US Army Staff Sergeant Matthew Blank, was released after being detained by ICE shortly after their wedding, sparking significant public outrage and support from political leaders.

Annie Ramos, a 22-year-old undocumented immigrant, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a military base shortly after her wedding to Army Staff Sergeant Matthew Blank. After a five-day ordeal and mounting public pressure, she was released. The couple's experience has highlighted the challenges faced by military families dealing with immigration issues, particularly under the current administration's policies.

A US soldier's wife who was detained by immigration agents at the military base where he is stationed - just days after their wedding - has been released.

Annie Ramos, 22, an undocumented immigrant who came to the US as a toddler, was arrested on 2 April and spent five days at a detention centre alongside hundreds facing deportation under the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

Immigration officials described Ramos as an illegal alien from Honduras who was arrested after attempting to enter a military base.

Staff Sergeant Matthew Blank expressed relief following his wife's release, stating, I feel awesome. Relieved. Relieved. These have been the worst days of my life. He added, I can't wait to carry my wife into our home and start our lives together. I'm complete and ready to serve our country. And it's her country, too.

After Ramos's detention, Blank, who enlisted over five years ago and has served in various operations, was set to begin training for another deployment.

Ramos, a biochemistry student, now aims to secure her legal status, continue her education, and build a life with her husband, emphasizing, All I have ever wanted is to live with dignity in the country I have called home since I was a baby.

The Department of Homeland Security has stated that Ramos holds no legal status to be in this country, yet her case has drawn criticism from activists and politicians, who argue that it undermines military families and the values they uphold.

Senator Mark Kelly reached out to Blank to express support for Ramos and critique the administration's approach to immigration enforcement. Advocates have argued that detaining individuals like Ramos only serves to weaken and destabilize military families.