A Texas businessman who supported President Donald Trump is speaking out against the Trump administration after his Venezuelan fiancée was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. John Gannon, a 75-year-old Republican, expressed his regrets after Yasmin Suarez Reyes, 45, was arrested at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.

Background on the Arrest

Suarez Reyes was traveling to a furniture convention when ICE officers detained her. Despite initially entering the U.S. legally with the Visa Waiver Program, she overstayed her permitted 90-day period. Although she filed for asylum and obtained a work permit while her application is pending, these do not grant full legal status, allowing ICE to arrest her.

Gannon’s Reaction

Gannon criticized ICE’s actions, stating they are separating families and targeting law-abiding individuals instead of criminals. He described the incident as chaotic, with multiple ICE agents arresting Suarez Reyes without providing clear reasons. Gannon also noted his disillusionment with the Trump administration, indicating he would not support Trump again in a future election.

Increased ICE Activities at Airports

ICE has intensified efforts to detain immigrants at airports, focusing on individuals with pending immigration applications. While these positions often provide work permits, they do not equate to holding a legal status, and thus, individuals risk detention if their original visas have expired. Immigration advocates criticize these actions as targeting individuals for easier detention numbers.

Currently, Suarez Reyes remains in custody at the Montgomery Processing Center in Texas while undergoing removal proceedings.