A 58-year-old Irish-born grandmother has been detained by ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) over two minor misdemeanor convictions committed over a decade ago, despite holding lawful permanent residency since childhood. Donna Hughes-Brown was arrested at O’Hare International Airport while returning to her home in Missouri with her husband, a US Navy veteran. Her detention stems from charges related to writing bad checks, but her lawyers claim the offenses were resolved years ago and do not reflect her current character.
Hughes-Brown’s case has gained attention due to recent changes in immigration law that allow for the denial of re-entry to foreign-born residents with past violations committed within 20 years. Her detention is one of the first reported applications of this policy, which critics argue has broad reach and may disproportionately affect non-citizens with long-standing ties to the US.
Despite her decades-long history of community service and volunteer work, including disaster relief efforts, Hughes-Brown’s deportation hearing has been postponed twice and is now set for December 18. Her family hopes that her character, combined with her extensive community involvement, will persuade immigration authorities to allow her to remain in the country she has called home for nearly 50 years.
Source: https://www.newsbreak.com/san-diego-post-314653203/4326404396923-grandmother-detained-by-ice-over-old-misdemeanor-conviction