Marie-Therese Ross-Mahe, 86, was detained by ICE in Alabama after her husband’s death triggered a dispute over his estate with his sons.
Tragic Love Story and Inheritance Dispute
Marie-Therese Ross-Mahe met Bill Ross in the 1950s while working as a secretary in Saint-Nazaire, France, where he was stationed at a NATO military base. They reconnected after both were widowed, and she moved to Anniston, Alabama, in 2025 to marry him, subsequently applying for permanent residency.
Following Bill Ross’s death months later, a heated conflict erupted between his sons and his widow regarding the inheritance. The sons argued in court that Ross-Mahe had expressed a desire to return to France and claimed they offered her $10,000 to relinquish her claim to the estate.
ICE Detention and Conditions
On April 1st, Ross-Mahe was arrested by ICE for overstaying her 90-day visitor limit and transported to a detention center in Louisiana. She was reportedly restrained with handcuffs and leg shackles while wearing only a nightgown and robe.
Prior to her arrest, a judge issued a temporary order preventing the family of Bill Ross from selling or distributing his assets.
Judge Suspects Foul Play
Judge Shirley A. Millwood, in a written opinion, indicated that she believes Tony Ross, the deceased’s younger son, may have leveraged his former position as a state police officer and federal court employee to orchestrate the woman’s detention.
The judge noted that ICE officials informed Tony Ross the day before the arrest that his stepmother would be detained, and he received confirmation shortly after the arrest. Two hours later, another son reportedly changed the locks on the deceased’s home.
Federal Investigation Requested
Judge Millwood has ordered a copy of her ruling to be sent to federal authorities, likely to prompt an investigation into the actions of the deceased’s sons.
French Government Intervention
The French government has “fully mobilized” to secure Ross-Mahe’s release, according to the Associated Press. The French Consul General in New Orleans, Rodolphe Sambou, has visited her twice and stated that Paris is in contact with family, authorities in Washington, Atlanta, and Paris, as well as the Department of Homeland Security.
“Because of her age, we really want her to get out of this situation as quickly as possible,” Sambou said. “We want to get her out of prison.”
Concerns Over Immigration Policy
The New York Times reported that the sons redirected mail sent to their father’s home, preventing Ross-Mahe from receiving a notice to meet with immigration officials. The case has sparked criticism of the Trump administration’s stricter immigration policies towards individuals who previously benefited from more lenient treatment, such as spouses and partners of service members and veterans.
