Florida Man’s Wife Detained Despite Pending Green Card Application

A Florida resident and supporter of President Donald Trump expressed no regret regarding his vote, even after federal immigration agents detained his wife at an airport while her green card application was pending. Mounque ‘Monk’ Barazone, whose wife Gloria, a 46-year-old Colombian national, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Newark Liberty International Airport while she was traveling from New Jersey to Miami in July, shares his perspective.

Gloria Barazone’s Arrest: What To Know

Gloria Barazone entered the U.S. on a tourist visa over 15 years ago and later sought permanent residency through her marriage to Barazone. The couple navigated the immigration system for nearly three years, submitting the required paperwork, securing extensions, and attending a green card interview earlier this year.

At the time of her detention, Gloria had a pending green card application, work authorization application, and Social Security number application. She also had a Florida Real ID driver’s license while awaiting the immigration case decision. Barazone argues that the country’s approach to immigration enforcement should not involve arresting spouses of U.S. citizens and placing an undue financial burden on them.

Barazone attempted to advocate for his wife with an ICE officer, stressing her status as a U.S citizen’s spouse. Despite this, his efforts did not change the circumstances of her detention. Initially held in New Jersey, Gloria was later moved to Louisiana and then to the South Texas ICE Processing Center. Barazone claims these transfers complicated legal proceedings and increased costs.

Legal Efforts And Government Response

Legal representatives pursued various remedies concerning Gloria’s transfer and detention, suggesting that her relocation within the ICE system impeded these efforts. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson explained that her arrest occurred during a targeted immigration enforcement operation, and she had overstayed her visa. The Trump administration’s immigration strategy has emphasized addressing visa overstays.

Following his wife’s detention, Barazone sought help from Florida Senator Ashley Moody and Representative María Elvira Salazar. The offices required signed consent from Gloria to intervene directly, but Barazone alleges these documents did not reach her, complicating potential involvement from the lawmakers.

Mounting Financial, Health Pressures

Describing Gloria as a skilled security professional with experience as head of security at Medellín’s airport, Barazone shared how the couple met and eventually lived in Colombia for over a decade. Gloria later trained to become a polygraph examiner, establishing a business in Colombia.

Barazone continues to support the broader immigration enforcement agenda, specifically targeting criminal activities. However, he insists there should be distinct standards for law-abiding spouses of American citizens. The legal battle has imposed significant financial stress on the family, with Barazone committing his Social Security payments to legal expenses. Relatives have also contributed funds, adding to the financial burden.

Juggling serious health issues, Barazone said his cardiac conditions have worsened amid the stress of his wife’s detention. He contends that the immigration system requires adjustments concerning enforcement against non-criminal immigrants while maintaining stringent measures for those posing genuine threats.