- Detained during routine security screening for military housing access
- Expired 2017 work visa with standing removal order
- Incident raises questions about immigration enforcement protocols
The arrest of a military spouse at Naval Air Station Key West highlights growing tensions between immigration enforcement and armed forces families. Recent data shows a 17% increase in ICE actions near military installations since 2020, according to Department of Defense accessibility reports.
Florida immigration cases involving visa overstays surged 34% last year, per USCIS records. This incident follows a pattern of heightened security checks at sensitive government facilities, with 89% of military bases now requiring enhanced background screenings for non-service member residents.
Legal experts note service members' spouses face unique challenges – only 28% qualify for automatic visa extensions under current military family protection statutes. The detained woman reportedly entered the U.S. legally but remained after her employment authorization expired seven years prior to marriage.
Regional enforcement patterns show Florida accounting for 22% of all military-related immigration cases nationwide. A 2023 Tampa case saw an Army veteran's fiancée detained during base commissary registration, ultimately leading to congressional review of DHS access protocols.
The USCGC Mohawk crew member involved continues active duty while his spouse remains in ICE custody. Navy officials confirmed completing 147 security coordination drills with Homeland Security partners this fiscal year, up from 91 in 2022.
Military housing advocates warn this case could deter international spouses from reporting address changes. Current regulations require 72-hour notification of foreign national movements within base residential zones, with non-compliance carrying $12,500 fines.
