Charity Grace Mukamuri, a 43-year-old green card holder, is working to rebuild her life after being released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. On June 3, Mukamuri was released from the Camp East Montana detention facility in El Paso, Texas, following a months-long stay that she says left her traumatized.
Detention Experience
Mukamuri was in custody from late 2025 through mid-2026. She claims conditions at the facility worsened over time, coinciding with alleged retaliation when information was shared externally. Upon release, she expressed relief but also noted struggles with coping. She is now focused on reuniting with her family and is concerned for others still detained.
Background and Release
Originally from Zimbabwe, Mukamuri came to the United States in 2001 on a student visa. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) previously accused her of cruelty toward children, but her family insists she has no criminal record. Her release followed a decision by Immigration Judge Stephen Ruhle at the El Paso SPC Immigration Court, granting her cancellation of removal under federal law. This allowed her to remain in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
Post-Release Challenges
After her release, Mukamuri was taken to a shelter before reuniting with her children in an emotional encounter. She is considering therapy to help with the aftermath of her detention, noting the need to rebuild after the ordeal.
Community Work and Legal Struggles
Mukamuri leads the Isaiah 54 Project, a nonprofit providing meals to the homeless in Tulsa. She was detained in August 2025, during a routine police stop. She was held in multiple facilities before being transferred to Camp East Montana. Difficulty accessing her attorney and inadequate conditions marked her detention experience.
Retaliation and Advocacy
Inadequate conditions prompted Mukamuri and others to document their experiences, which were shared with Newsweek. Following publication, she faced intimidation and alleged searches of her belongings. Despite this, she remains focused on advocating for other detainees.
Mukamuri highlights the importance of documenting detainee experiences to raise awareness about the conditions inside such facilities. She is determined to support others who face similar challenges and work towards creating better conditions for detainees.
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