France Calls for Release of 86-Year-Old Widow of U.S. Veteran Detained by ICE

The French government is pushing for the release of Marie-Therese Ross, who has been held in immigration detention since April 1.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:23pm

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A solitary, elderly woman sits alone in a dimly lit room, her face partially obscured by shadows, conveying a sense of isolation and vulnerability.An elderly widow's detention by immigration authorities raises concerns about the treatment of vulnerable populations and the need for greater compassion in the immigration system.New Orleans Today

The French government has called on the U.S. to release an 86-year-old widow of an American G.I. who has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since April 1. Rodolphe Sambou, the French consul general in New Orleans, said the government has 'fully mobilized' to push for the release of Marie-Therese Ross, citing her advanced age. Ross moved to the U.S. last year to be with her late husband, William Ross, a U.S. veteran she met in the 1950s. After his death, a dispute arose over his estate, leading to her detention by ICE.

Why it matters

The case highlights the complex legal and humanitarian issues surrounding immigration detention, especially for elderly individuals with ties to the U.S. The French government's intervention underscores the diplomatic implications of such cases. It also raises questions about the treatment of surviving spouses of U.S. military members and the potential abuse of power by relatives in estate disputes.

The details

Marie-Therese Ross, an 86-year-old French national, has been detained by ICE since April 1 at a federal immigration detention center in Louisiana. The Department of Homeland Security claims she overstayed her 90-day visa. After moving to the U.S. last year to be with her late husband, William Ross, a U.S. veteran she met in the 1950s, a dispute arose over his estate. His sons offered her $10,000 to waive her inheritance rights, and when she refused, local police reportedly informed one of the sons about her impending arrest the day before it happened.

  • Marie-Therese Ross moved to the U.S. in 2025 to be with her husband William Ross.
  • William Ross died on January 24, 2026.
  • Marie-Therese Ross was detained by ICE on April 1, 2026.

The players

Marie-Therese Ross

An 86-year-old French national who was the widow of U.S. veteran William Ross. She has been detained by ICE since April 1, 2026.

William Ross

A U.S. veteran who met Marie-Therese Ross in the 1950s while stationed in France. They married in 2025 and he died in January 2026.

Rodolphe Sambou

The consul general of France in New Orleans, who has called on the U.S. to release Marie-Therese Ross from ICE detention.

Tony Ross

The younger son of William Ross, who testified that he did not order local police to report Marie-Therese Ross before her arrest.

Shirley A. Millwood

The Calhoun County Probate Judge who temporarily blocked William Ross' relatives from removing any of his assets from his home after Marie-Therese Ross claimed they rerouted her mail.

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What they’re saying

“'Given her age, we really want her to get out of this situation as soon as possible. We want to get her out of jail.'”

— Rodolphe Sambou, Consul General of France in New Orleans

What’s next

The French government continues to push for Marie-Therese Ross' release from ICE detention, citing her advanced age. The Calhoun County Probate Judge is also seeking an investigation into the behavior of William Ross' sons in relation to the dispute over his estate.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal and humanitarian issues surrounding immigration detention, especially for elderly individuals with strong ties to the U.S. It also raises concerns about the potential abuse of power by relatives in estate disputes and the treatment of surviving spouses of U.S. military members.