Green Card Holder Shares Detention Experience and Seeks Recovery

A green card holder previously detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has begun seeking therapy following her release. Charity Grace Mukamuri, 43, recounted her traumatic experience and is attempting to rebuild her life.

Release from ICE Custody

Mukamuri was released on June 3 from the Camp East Montana detention facility in El Paso, Texas. Her time in custody, from late 2025 to mid-2026, coincided with worsening conditions and alleged retaliation when information was shared externally. Mukamuri expressed relief over her release but struggles to adjust, reflecting on friends still detained.

Background and Legal Proceedings

A Zimbabwean native, Mukamuri moved to the U.S. in 2001 on a student visa. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused her of cruelty towards children. However, no criminal record or further details were provided. Her family insists she holds a valid green card. A DHS spokesperson stated that laws against child cruelty would be enforced under President Trump.

Mukamuri’s release came after a court order for immigration authorities to free her within 24 hours. Immigration Judge Stephen Ruhle granted her cancellation of removal, allowing her to remain in the U.S. under federal law. Mukamuri was then transported to a shelter before reuniting with her family.

The Path to Recovery

Following her release, Mukamuri reconnected with her family in an emotional reunion. They are considering therapy to cope with the impact of her detention. She acknowledged the need for substantial rebuilding in their lives.

Before her detention, Mukamuri operated the Isaiah 54 Project, a nonprofit in Tulsa supporting the homeless. She was detained after being pulled over during a drive in Oklahoma in August 2025. She experienced multiple transfers between facilities, beginning with Tulsa County Jail and ending at Camp East Montana.

Conditions in Detention

Mukamuri faced significant delays in accessing legal support. It took almost two and a half months to speak with her attorney. She and other detainees documented and shared their experiences, describing unsatisfactory conditions and alleged retaliation at the facility.

After the information was made public, Mukamuri claimed she faced intimidation. Staff allegedly attempted to identify those involved with the outside exposure. She was accused of having improper connections with a congressional staffer, which she denied. Her personal belongings were also tampered with during searches.

Mukamuri continues to process these experiences. She remains committed to advocating for detained women, driven by the belief that their stories must be shared.