Naval Academy midshipman's mother detained at green card interview, deported to Mexico
Sep 2, 2026·Location: San Antonio, TX
Country of origin: Mexico

Maria Rocha-Martinez, mother of U.S. Naval Academy midshipman David Garcia, was detained by ICE on Aug. 25 while attending a scheduled green card interview at a USCIS office. She had previously been granted parole in place, a protection sometimes extended to family members of active service members, and was in the process of obtaining a green card. She was transferred to the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas and deported to Mexico despite efforts by Rep. Joaquin Castro, who had nominated Garcia for the Naval Academy, to intervene. DHS said Rocha-Martinez had a prior removal and unlawful reentry, but Castro described her as someone who was 'doing everything the right way' and 'raised a bright young man with good character who is serving our nation.' Castro said ICE denied his office's request to visit her in custody, citing a 48-hour advance notice requirement for congressional visits.
Timeline
Sources
- Arresta ICE a la mamá de un cadete de la Marina; congresista exige su liberación de Dilley
Univision·Aug 29, 2026
- ICE deports Navy midshipman's mom after green card interview arrest
Newsweek·Sep 7, 2026
- Client Challenge
- Joaquin Castro Calls for Release of Detained Mother of San Antonio Student
texaspolitics.com·Sep 2, 2026
- Castro Calls for Release of San Antonio U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman’s Mom to Be Released from Dilley Trailer Prison | U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro
- Castro urges ICE to free mother of San Antonio Naval Academy midshipman nominee
news4sanantonio.com·Aug 28, 2026
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