A Chicago-area mother of two married to an American Army veteran faces imminent deportation after federal agents arrested her during a green card interview in May, sparking questions about how current immigration enforcement policies affect families with American ties.
Arrest at Immigration Interview
Airida Gould, originally from Lithuania, traveled to what she believed would be a routine green card interview following advice from her first immigration attorney. Instead, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detained her on the spot, enforcing a removal order from 17 years ago. Gould told investigators that ICE agents apologized, explaining they were following directives from the new administration. She was taken into custody without an opportunity to say goodbye to her husband Mark, an Army veteran, or their two sons.
The case highlights challenges facing families seeking legal immigration status when old removal orders surface during current proceedings. Former Chicago immigration court Judge Carla Espinoza now represents Gould and describes the situation as a race against time, with ICE holding the power to execute deportation before appeals can be heard.
Two Months in Federal Custody
Gould has spent over two months in ICE detention facilities across three states. She described conditions at a facility in Brazil, Indiana, as so inadequate that people treat their pets better. She now resides in a Kentucky women’s detention center, sharing a cell with 13 other women. While she reports the Kentucky facility maintains cleaner conditions, Gould says detainees receive no fresh food and access outdoor air only three hours per week during gymnasium time.
The separation has taken its toll on her family. Mark Gould, stationed more than 300 miles away, waits anxiously each morning for text messages from his wife. The couple communicates primarily through texts, with rare inmate video calls. Despite the circumstances, Airida Gould maintains hope for reunification with her family, expressing confidence that they will be together regardless of the outcome.
Legal Battle Against Time
Espinoza filed an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals, but ICE maintains authority to deport Gould before her case receives a hearing. The attorney notes that detention centers vary widely in quality, with many facilities struggling to meet adequate standards due to increased population from expanded immigration enforcement. Espinoza emphasizes that once someone enters ICE custody with an outstanding removal order, the agency can execute deportation at any moment, eliminating potential legal remedies. The case illustrates how decades-old immigration orders can resurface with immediate consequences for families who have established American roots.