In a shocking affront to the values our nation holds dear, U.S. Army veteran Marlon Parris—a legal permanent resident and decorated Iraq War hero—is currently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Arizona, facing the harrowing prospect of deportation. This reprehensible treatment of a man who has honorably served our country not only undermines the sacrifices made by our veterans but also exposes a deeply flawed and unjust immigration enforcement system.

A Betrayal of Service and Sacrifice

Parris, who has called the United States home since his childhood after emigrating from Trinidad and Tobago in the late 1990s, dedicated himself to the defense of our nation. He served three deployments in Iraq, earning commendations for his bravery and commitment. Following his honorable discharge.

Putting his life on the line for our country, Parris suffered PTSD and brain trauma just like so many of his fellow American Veterans. And like so many other American Veterans, personal challenges lead to a nonviolent drug-related conviction in 2011 for Parris. After serving his sentence, he received a "Letter of No Interest" from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security in 2016, assuring him that he would not face deportation due to his distinguished military service and the nature of his conviction.

Despite this assurance, Parris was abruptly detained by ICE agents near his home in Laveen, Arizona, while running errands. This sudden and unjustified detention has not only upended his life but has also instilled fear and uncertainty within his family and community.

A Call to Action

The detention and potential deportation of Marlon Parris is not an isolated incident but rather a glaring example of systemic failures that allow for the mistreatment of those who have bravely served our nation. Incidents like this one will continue to occur under the current administration’s draconian take on immigration policy. It is imperative that we, as a society, demand immediate action to rectify this injustice:

• Immediate Release: ICE must release Parris from detention and halt any deportation proceedings against him, honoring the previous assurance provided in the "Letter of No Interest."
  
  
• Legislative Intervention: Lawmakers must introduce and pass legislation that offers robust protections for non-citizen veterans, ensuring that their service and sacrifices are duly recognized and respected.

The time to act is now. We cannot stand idly by as those who have defended our freedoms are subjected to such egregious injustices. Let us honor their service by ensuring they receive the respect, support, and protection they rightfully deserve.