Woman Detained at Immigration Appointment
A Mexican national is held in a California detention center after appearing for a scheduled hearing, drawing support from her veteran husband and local community.
By Lorenzo Marshall ·
Immigration enforcement in San Diego has drawn attention to the case of Blanca, a Mexican citizen currently detained in Calexico, California. She was taken into custody after attending a scheduled immigration appointment with her husband, Elton Stovell.
The Department of Homeland Security records show that Blanca was removed from the United States on three previous occasions. The agency lists one removal in August 1997 and two more in April 2000. Officials state that each re-entry without authorization constituted a serious crime under federal law.
Family members explain that Blanca returned to the U.S. and began a immigration process during the Biden administration. She received a notice to appear at a hearing after several years without updates on her case. Her daughter, Rosalie, said Blanca brought documents related to her file and letters of support from veterans and friends to the meeting.
Elton Stovell served in the U.S. military and fought in the Vietnam War. He has been married to Blanca for nearly 30 years. Rosalie noted that her mother's absence has altered the household dynamic, forcing her to take on additional caregiving duties for her father.
The family has gathered more than 1,500 signatures on a petition requesting that Blanca remain in the United States. Elton and Rosalie have also reached out to their congressional representatives to ask for a review of her status.
Stovell is considering moving to Mexico to start a new life with his wife if the deportation proceeds. Blanca remains in detention while her family seeks options to keep her in the country.
