Teen says judge’s order for her release from immigration detention had her family screaming with joy
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- A federal court in San Antonio ordered the release of Olivia Andre, a 19-year-old Congolese woman detained by ICE in Texas for six months, citing violations of her due process rights and unlawful detention.
- Andre will reunite with her mother and siblings in Maine, where the family has sought asylum after fleeing repression in Congo and enduring the tragic loss of their 8-year-old brother during their journey.
- The family’s asylum case is under federal review, and an appeals court has temporarily blocked their deportation, but ICE and the Department of Homeland Security maintain that Andre has no legal right to remain in the U.S.
- Advocates and lawyers condemned Andre’s prolonged detention, highlighting inadequate living conditions and health deterioration, while lawmakers and community members called for her release.
- Upon release, Andre expressed joy and relief, looking forward to reuniting with family and friends, and reclaiming her freedom after a traumatic and challenging period in detention.
