An Iraq War veteran and legal permanent resident, Marlon Parris, was recently detained by ICE agents in the Phoenix area despite previous assurances that he would not face deportation, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. Parris's wife, Tanisha Parris, recounted the harrowing experience of her husband being taken into custody just blocks from their home in Laveen while carrying out simple errands for the family.
The troubling incident unfolded on January 22, with Tanisha Parris working with Arizona senators and seeking clarity from ICE officials about her husband's case. According to an interview with FOX 10 Phoenix, she emphasized her husband's selfless service to a country he was not originally from and expressed disillusionment with the government's promise, referring to a letter from the DHS which stated "He is not amenable to deportation or exclusion proceedings. DHS has no further interest in this case."
Tanisha Hartwell-Parris also shared more about her husband's journey and current plight in a statement obtained by ABC 15 News. She discussed Parris's army experience, his struggles with PTSD, and the non-violent felony for which he took full responsibility, serving his time after a guilty plea in 2011. Released from prison in 2016, Parris received a formal letter from ICE stating that he was not subject for deportation. Parris has since led a commendable life, graduating with honors and starting a family business.
The recent action taken against Parris contradicts the 'no interest' letter and raises concerns about shifting immigration policies under the current administration. Detained shortly after President Trump's reelection, Parris's situation seems to be at odds with the previously stated priority to deport only the "most violent" immigrants. "That's the hardest part that he suffers with, because it's kind of, in a sense, I did everything right and I'm still in this facility away from my family," Tanisha Hartwell-Parris told ABC 15 News.
As Parris remains in a private detention facility in Florence, the local community, veteran groups, and elected officials, including State Senator Catherine Miranda, have expressed support for his release. His case continues to gain attention, posing questions about the treatment of non-citizen veterans and the stability of governmental commitments. The family remains hopeful for a resolution that honors Parris's service and commitment to the United States.
