A routine security check at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Key West, Florida, led to the arrest of a Coast Guardsman's wife. Officials said she was taken into custody by federal immigration authorities after being flagged during the check. Lt. Cmdr. Steve Roth stated, "The spouse is not a member of the Coast Guard and was detained by Homeland Security Investigations pursuant to a lawful removal order," as reported by CBS News Miami.
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the woman had an expired work visa from around 2017. Despite being married to a serviceman earlier this year, her expired visa led to her facing removal from the United States. The incident occurred during her relocation to military housing and was not part of a broader immigration sweep, unlike those during the Trump administration.
The woman was stopped during the process of getting a pass for base access, which led to concerns. Base personnel contacted the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, who, with Coast Guard security and permission from the base commander, arrested her at the residence section, according to ABC News. Homeland Security Investigations also took part in the arrest. The country of origin of the arrested spouse was not disclosed, and ICE and the Department of Homeland Security did not comment. Her husband, assigned to the USCGC Mohawk, remains on active duty. The Navy stated they "fully cooperated with federal law enforcement authorities on this matter."
