Judge Delivers Blow to ICE — Deportation Halted

Kristi Noem testifies before a committee in DC

Kristi Noem testifies before a committee in DC, Sen. John Kennedy at a Senate hearing, Kristi Noem testifying in front of a committee, Tom Homan at AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Kristi Noem testifies in front of the committee, Tom Homan addresses Arizona Legislature session, Tom Homan at Conservative Political Action Conference

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reportedly released Paola Clouatre, the spouse of a U.S. veteran, after a judge halted her deportation. Authorities noted that she has since returned to her home in Baton Rouge. Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) has supported her case, pointing to exceptions in President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration enforcement measures.

Sen. John Kennedy at a Senate hearing

Kristi Noem testifies before a committee in DC, Sen. John Kennedy at a Senate hearing, Kristi Noem testifying in front of a committee, Tom Homan at AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Kristi Noem testifies in front of the committee, Tom Homan addresses Arizona Legislature session, Tom Homan at Conservative Political Action Conference

Kennedy stated, “I am so happy for you and your family.” Christy Tate, Kennedy’s constituent services representative, helped secure Clouatre’s release and praised her husband Adrian’s military service.

Kristi Noem testifying in front of a committee

Kristi Noem testifies before a committee in DC, Sen. John Kennedy at a Senate hearing, Kristi Noem testifying in front of a committee, Tom Homan at AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Kristi Noem testifies in front of the committee, Tom Homan addresses Arizona Legislature session, Tom Homan at Conservative Political Action Conference

Tate noted that she had “sent the request to release” Clouatre to DHS. She added that ICE “continues to make custody determinations on a case-by-case basis based on the specific circumstances of each case.”

Tom Homan at AmericaFest conference in Phoenix

Kristi Noem testifies before a committee in DC, Sen. John Kennedy at a Senate hearing, Kristi Noem testifying in front of a committee, Tom Homan at AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Kristi Noem testifies in front of the committee, Tom Homan addresses Arizona Legislature session, Tom Homan at Conservative Political Action Conference

Clouatre was detained in May during a green card appointment. She entered the U.S. as a child seeking asylum, but a missed court date by her mother led to a 2018 deportation order against her.

Kristi Noem testifies in front of the committee

Kristi Noem testifies before a committee in DC, Sen. John Kennedy at a Senate hearing, Kristi Noem testifying in front of a committee, Tom Homan at AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Kristi Noem testifies in front of the committee, Tom Homan addresses Arizona Legislature session, Tom Homan at Conservative Political Action Conference

In a message to Paola's husband, Adrian Clouatre, Tate stated, “We will continue to keep you, your family and others that are experiencing the same issues in our prayers.”

Tom Homan addresses Arizona Legislature session

Kristi Noem testifies before a committee in DC, Sen. John Kennedy at a Senate hearing, Kristi Noem testifying in front of a committee, Tom Homan at AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Kristi Noem testifies in front of the committee, Tom Homan addresses Arizona Legislature session, Tom Homan at Conservative Political Action Conference

Adrian said, “It shouldn't just be like a blanket ‘Oh, they're illegal, throw them in ICE detention.’” He added, “I wish the agency would actually look at the circumstances before detaining people like my wife.”

Tom Homan at Conservative Political Action Conference

Kristi Noem testifies before a committee in DC, Sen. John Kennedy at a Senate hearing, Kristi Noem testifying in front of a committee, Tom Homan at AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Kristi Noem testifies in front of the committee, Tom Homan addresses Arizona Legislature session, Tom Homan at Conservative Political Action Conference

While detained, Clouatre alleged she suffered emotional distress. Though her case may take years, her attorney is confident she’ll secure a green card.

Grace Hall covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.

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