The son of an 85-year-old French widow who has returned to France after being detained in the U.S. for overstaying her visa says the family's priority is her health and rest.
Associated PressThe Anniston, Ala., home where Marie Therese Ross, 85, who has returned to France after being held in U.S. immigration custody, had lived with her late husband, U.S. military veteran William Ross , on Friday, April 17, 2026.
– The son of an 85-year-old French widow who married an American military veteran but was later detained for overstaying her visa says she now needs rest after the ordeal. Speaking to reporters Friday after Marie-Thérèse Ross returned to France, Hervé Goix, said the family's “absolute priority” is to protect her."To preserve her health and her rest, and for her to be able to rebuild herself,” Goix told a press conference alongside his two siblings in the town of Orvault, in western France. “We are particularly relieved today to see our mother again, to have her back," he said. “She has necessarily gone through a difficult ordeal.”, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Friday. Without elaborating, Barrot said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement methods were “not in line” with French standards and “not acceptable to us.” Ross entered the U.S. last June after marrying a retired U.S. soldier who had been stationed in her home country in the 1960s, court records show. But after her husband died of natural causes in January, a dispute arose over his estate. Ross’ stepson — a U.S. federal employee — allegedly intervened to have her takenFederal immigration agents detained Ross in Alabama on April 1 after she overstayed her 90-day visa, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. She was then held at a detention facility in Louisiana as French officials expressed concern about her well-being. Goix, who told The Associated Press that she had been in the process of applying for a green card when she was taken into custody, added during the press conference that “the essential thing is that she is truly safe, that she regains her comfort, that she is surrounded by her children and grandchildren." The mayor of Orvault, Sébastien Arrouët, told French media he spoke with Ross and said “she is delighted, she is happy, she is relieved.” “Put yourselves in her place, in a country she knows a little bit, it all happened to her so suddenly,” he said. “We don’t realize the psychological violence. She needs to process all this, and the most important thing is that she is back with us.” Ross was taken into custody in her nightgown and was unable to bring her phone, passport and other identification with her, records show. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Firefighters battling 300-acre brush fire in Nassau CountyMother demands safety changes after she says teen son was jumped, robbed at Westside parkFormer Jacksonville teacher’s arrest raises concerns about platforms not meant for messaging1 year after FSU shooting, records reveal suspect’s ChatGPT messages as victims are honoredLocal nonprofit helps disabled Army veteran, fiancée become homeowners in Green Cove SpringsBradford County commissioners postpone decision on potential ICE detention center0:51Man arrested in connection with fatal shooting at Circle K off Square Lake BoulevardIt's harvest time! These mighty microgreens are ready...Score a free Jumbo Shrimp replica jersey on April 18Tour your dream home without the pressure 👀🏡Color the Weather: Willie’s Forecast ☀️📚Operation New Uniform hosts 10th annual clay shooting fundraiser for veteransMan fatally shot at Circle K off Square Lake Boulevard on Jacksonville's SouthsideJacksonville family to remember teen killed hours after high school graduation four years agoRiver City Science Academy teacher accused of ‘grooming’ student using messages on Canva app▶State approves $3 million for Northwest Jacksonville programs for small businesses, crime preventionState approves $3 million for Northwest Jacksonville programs for small businesses, crime preventionWhat really happens after you drop off a donation? 👀0:56Jags safety, Marine Officer Rayuan Lane III swears in recruits before NFL seasonThe Raines 4x400 relay team breaks a school record 👟💨JEA board member warns against waiving attorney-client privilege at rates and capacity fee workshopJEA board member warns against waiving attorney-client privilege at rates and capacity fee workshopFormer dance company CEO still faces sexual battery charge after one count droppedFrom gold to green, just a few more days and it's harvest time!
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