A former military service member is departing the United States following the apprehension of her spouse by ICE officials during a green card interview. Matheus Silveira, aged 30, was detailing his reasons for seeking a green card when he was abruptly detained by four ICE agents at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services facility in San Diego, California, on allegations of visa overstay. Matheus, employed as a delivery driver, was subsequently transferred to an ICE detention center where he remains detained.
In response to the situation, both Matheus and his 30-year-old wife Hannah, who previously served as a combat medic in the US army, have made plans to relocate to Brazil in the coming weeks as Matheus has been granted voluntary departure from the US instead of facing deportation.
Expressing her sentiments, Hannah voiced concerns about the current state of affairs in the US, citing a sense of insecurity and disillusionment with the administration’s policies. She lamented the necessity of leaving behind their life in the US, highlighting her military service and the sacrifices made, yet feeling unsupported by the country she once considered home.
Matheus initially came to the US in 2019 to pursue English studies and later crossed paths with Hannah in 2022. Their relationship quickly blossomed, leading to their engagement and subsequent marriage in August 2024. The couple had aspirations of homeownership and starting a family, but those dreams were abruptly disrupted by Matheus’ detention by ICE authorities.
Following his arrest during the green card interview on November 22, 2025, Hannah revealed that Matheus had received legal advice to proceed with the application despite his visa expiration. She recounted visiting him in detention and described the conditions as coercive, with posters urging departure and inadequate provisions. Due to a previous DUI charge, Matheus was denied bond on the grounds of being a perceived danger to the community.
In light of these circumstances, both Hannah and Matheus have resolved to depart for Brazil, Matheus’s home country, relinquishing their ties to the US amidst uncertainties about their future return. Hannah reiterated her disillusionment with the country’s current state, expressing doubts about the direction of immigration policies and the overall societal landscape.
The decision to leave the US represents a pivotal moment for the couple, reflecting their disappointment and concern over the prevailing atmosphere in the country.