In a shocking turn of events, Marlon Paris, a 45-year-old Army veteran who served two tours in Iraq, is facing deportation despite his status as a legal permanent resident. Detained by ICE in Arizona, Paris’s plight has ignited outrage, as he was previously assured by the Trump administration that his military service would protect him from such actions. This betrayal comes just days after President Trump took office, highlighting a disturbing trend of targeting veterans who have fought for the very country that now seeks to remove them.
On January 22, Paris was stopped just moments from his home, surrounded by ICE agents, and forcibly taken into custody. His wife, Tanisha Hartwell, was left helpless and confused, desperately trying to understand why her husband was targeted despite their extensive documentation proving his eligibility for protection due to his military service. Over three months later, the family is still fighting against a system that seems intent on discarding their rights and sacrifices.
James Smith II, co-director of Black Deported Veterans of America, condemned the situation, emphasizing that the letter of no interest issued to Paris should have safeguarded him from deportation. He expressed disbelief that members of Congress, particularly those from Arizona, have been slow to respond to their calls for help, while Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office in Illinois has stepped up to advocate for Paris.
With veterans across the nation looking on, the case of Marlon Paris raises critical questions about the treatment of those who served and their families. As the community rallies support through a GoFundMe campaign, the urgency for justice grows. Will Congress finally take action to protect those who have sacrificed so much, or will they remain silent while veterans face an uncertain future? The clock is ticking, and the stakes could not be higher.