A mother, Jemmy Jimenez-Rosa, aged 42 and residing in Canton, Massachusetts, faced a distressing ordeal when detained by Customs Border Patrol for ten days following a family trip. Despite having a valid green card, she, along with her husband Marcel Rosa, 38, and their three young daughters aged three, six, and seven, encountered the unexpected detention upon returning from Mexico. Jemmy, originally from Peru and a US resident since the age of nine, was taken into custody without prior notice or explanation while traveling back.
Reportedly, Jimenez-Rosa was held in federal custody for ten days and moved between multiple detention facilities in Massachusetts and Maine, including one predominantly for male detainees. Since her release, her husband Marcel revealed the severe impact of the incident on her mental health, leading to debilitating PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks in public settings, and the necessity for psychiatric support. These conditions have significantly restricted her ability to engage in regular family activities, with Marcel noting the drastic change in her behavior post-detention.
The distressing incident occurred on August 11 at Boston Logan Airport upon the family’s return from Mexico, where Jemmy’s Peruvian passport and green card were retained after being instructed for further questioning by a CBP agent. Later investigations revealed that the detention was possibly related to a minor marijuana charge dating back to 2003 when Jimenez-Rosa was a college student. Despite the charge being resolved with probation and subsequently pardoned by the Massachusetts governor under a clemency program, the family was left in the dark regarding the basis of Jemmy’s detainment.
During her confinement, Jemmy’s pre-existing health conditions, including diabetes, allergies, and mental health issues, became urgent concerns, necessitating emergency medical attention. Marcel described the challenges in obtaining information about Jemmy’s well-being from CBP and the distressing comments made by a supervisor during their inquiries. Following her release without charges or bond, their immigration attorney criticized the lack of formal explanation provided for her detention, labeling it a violation of due process.
In response to the mounting legal and medical expenses incurred due to the detention, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to assist the family during this challenging period.