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Donna H.B.: Irish grandmother held 5 months by ICE over decade-old checks

Donna Hughes-Brown, 59, who has lived in the U.S. since age 11, was detained for five months over two decade-old bounced checks totaling under $80. She was released before Christmas and reunited with family in Missouri.

Dec 23, 2025IrelandCountry of origin: Ireland

Donna H.B.: Irish grandmother held 5 months by ICE over decade-old checks
Photo via First Alert 4

Donna Hughes-Brown, a 59-year-old Irish citizen who has lived in the U.S. since age 11 (47 years), was detained by ICE in July 2025 upon returning to Chicago from a trip to Ireland visiting relatives. She was held on moral turpitude charges tied to two overdrawn checks totaling less than $80 written more than a decade earlier. After being detained at the airport, she was transferred to Campbell County Detention Center in Kentucky, where she reported unsanitary conditions, pest infestations, and inadequate food and utilities. Her case drew attention after her husband testified before Congress, prompting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to promise a review. She was released just before Christmas and reunited with her family in Missouri, avoiding deportation, and said she will not visit Ireland again until she becomes a naturalized U.S. citizen for fear of future detention.

Timeline

Dec 23, 2025—Released from ICE detention just before Christmas and reunited with family in Missouri
Dec 2025—Husband testified before Congress; DHS Secretary Kristi Noem promised a review
Jul 2025—Detained by ICE at Chicago airport upon return from Ireland over decade-old bounced checks
Jul 2025—Transferred to Campbell County Detention Center in Kentucky, reported poor conditions
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