A Kentucky woman, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is facing detention after federal authorities took her into custody during an immigration interview. Armelle Bondonga, who came to the U.S. on a visa in 2013, was detained on August 12 while attending an immigration interview related to her marriage-based application. Her attorney, Arianit Osmani, explained that she went to this interview with her husband, an American citizen, and their 18-month-old child in an effort to resolve her immigration status lawfully.

“She followed the legal process available to her,” Osmani stated. Despite her cooperation, Bondonga was taken into ICE custody after the interview. She had not attempted to evade authorities and had willingly appeared for the immigration interview with her husband.

Osmani expressed concern about the situation, highlighting the fact that Bondonga has a U.S. citizen husband, a young U.S. citizen child, and a pending marriage-based petition. He refrained from speculating about ICE’s motives, but noted the circumstances are troubling.

While Bondonga remains in custody, her husband, Terrance Bradshaw, is adjusting to life without her, managing family responsibilities alone. “He is now taking on duties they previously shared,” Osmani noted, emphasizing the emotional and practical toll on the family due to the separation.

ICE officials remarked that Bondonga entered the U.S. legally in 2013, but overstayed her visa which expired in 2014. “She accrued more than a decade of unlawful presence,” ICE stated. Bondonga received a final order of removal in November 2025 and was told she received due process.

An ICE spokesperson said, “Detention is a choice. Illegal aliens are offered $2,600 and a free flight to self-deport now, allowing them to return legally in the future. Failing this, they will be arrested and deported.”

State Representative Nima Kulkarni, who is also an immigration attorney, criticized ICE’s treatment of Bondonga, describing it as inhumane. Kulkarni has visited Bondonga in detention, noting she initially slept on a cold concrete floor with strangers. Despite these conditions, Bondonga remained focused on her family and fellow detainees.

Kulkarni argued Bondonga exemplifies the type of immigrant the U.S. should embrace. “She tried to navigate the process correctly,” she said. Kulkarni criticized current policies, claiming they target immigrants attending routine interviews for apprehension.

Prior to living in Kentucky, Bondonga’s family resided in California, New York, and Maine. She graduated from Waggener High School in Louisville and earned a business management degree from Jefferson Community and Technical College. Bondonga was involved in community initiatives like the student group Future Ancestors, created in response to Breonna Taylor’s death.

Ryan Davis, Bondonga’s former teacher, shared his distress over her detention. “I am constantly thinking about how to reunite her with her family,” he said, lamenting the impact on their community.

Bondonga previously expressed her relief at being in America, away from the Congo’s violence and poverty. She felt compelled to participate in community events, an opportunity she wouldn’t have in her homeland.

Osmani has filed an I-130 petition on behalf of Bondonga, aiming to establish the couple’s eligible relationship. He stated that her detention continues the separation of this family and emphasized the importance of considering these factors before enforcing her removal from the U.S.