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Naval Academy midshipman's mother detained at green card interview, deported to Mexico

Sep 2, 2026·Location: San Antonio, TX

Country of origin: Mexico

Naval Academy midshipman's mother detained at green card interview, deported to Mexico
Photo via Instagram

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

Aug 26, 2026—Deported to Mexico despite intervention efforts by Rep. Joaquin Castro's office
Aug 25, 2026—Maria Rocha-Martinez detained by ICE at a scheduled green card interview at a USCIS office
Aug 25, 2026—Transferred to the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas
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