In a troubling case affecting a U.S. Army reservist, Venezuelan national Stephanie Kenny-Velasquez has been detained for several weeks after a routine immigration check-in. Her husband, Chris Busby, a Black Hawk pilot in the Army Reserve, is desperately seeking her release.
Timeline of Events
- December 3, 2021: Busby and Kenny-Velasquez obtained their marriage certificate in Austin.
- December 5, 2021: Kenny-Velasquez attended her immigration check-in at a Houston ICE office and was subsequently detained.
- January 9, 2022: Kenny-Velasquez was denied bond, according to her lawyer.
Background Information
Stephanie Kenny-Velasquez, 25, entered the United States in 2021, fleeing the political turmoil and violence in Venezuela. With hopes of building a new life, she complied with immigration protocols, presenting herself to officials in Miami upon her arrival. She had no criminal record and was pursuing her real estate license in Austin.
During her brief time in the U.S., Kenny-Velasquez worked at a local car wash while studying diligently. She had an active asylum case when she was detained.
Married Amid Uncertainty
Chris Busby, 28, met Kenny-Velasquez in March 2021 and quickly fell in love. With no prior announcement to their families, the couple decided to marry shortly after obtaining their marriage license.
Busby expressed his willingness to sacrifice his career for his wife’s freedom, stating, “If it means sacrificing myself or my career to free her, I will do it.” He has been actively searching for solutions to secure her release since her detention.
Current Detention Conditions
Since her transfer to the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe, Texas, Kenny-Velasquez’s health and emotional state have deteriorated. Busby reported that she struggles with stress and poor living conditions, often sharing limited resources with other detainees.
- She sleeps in a bunk bed with 80 other women.
- Inmates have access to only seven tablets for communication.
- Food options are reported to be inadequate.
Impact of U.S. Immigration Policies
The uncertainty surrounding her case is compounded by the political climate and changing immigration policies. Under prior administrations, particularly during Donald Trump’s presidency, there were significant restrictions on immigration, including the temporary protected status for Venezuelans.
Busby and Kenny-Velasquez’s families are anxious about the broader implications of their situation, as many Venezuelans face similar challenges. Oscar, Kenny-Velasquez’s brother, highlighted the dangers of returning to their home country, citing instability and repression.
Hope for Resolution
The couple is currently exploring the military’s Parole in Place program, which offers legal protections to service members’ spouses lacking U.S. citizenship. However, the program’s future remains uncertain amid ongoing administrative changes.
“I just want her out of there,” Busby said, expressing his frustration and desire for his wife’s release as they navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law.
