Mounque “Monk” Barazone, a resident of Florida and supporter of Donald Trump, remains firm in his political choice despite facing personal repercussions. His wife, Gloria Barazone, originally from Colombia, encountered legal challenges while waiting for her green card.
Gloria Barazone was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Newark Liberty International Airport on a trip from New Jersey to Miami. Her arrest is part of a pattern seen in recent months, where spouses of U.S. citizens with pending immigration applications are detained.
Barazone, 77, expressed no regret over his voting decision. “No. Absolutely not,” he stated, arguing the country is in better hands under Trump’s leadership than it would be under the Biden administration.
Details of Gloria Barazone’s Detention
Gloria entered the U.S. on a tourist visa, later marrying Monk Barazone, and applied for residency 15 years ago. The couple spent considerable time filing necessary paperwork and attending interviews. At the time of her detention, she had applications for a green card, work authorization, and a Social Security number pending. Monk highlighted she possessed a Florida Real ID driver’s license.
“I don’t believe you arrest American citizens’ spouses and then tell them to spend tens of thousands of dollars they don’t have,” Barazone told Newsweek.
Despite Monk’s explanation of Gloria’s status, ICE held firm in its decision. Her transfers between facilities in New Jersey, Louisiana, and South Texas complicated legal efforts and raised expenses.
Legal and Political Efforts
Monk has sought assistance from Florida Senator Ashley Moody and Representative María Elvira Salazar. Congress members requested consent forms from Gloria to intervene, but these documents didn’t reach her in detention.
Gloria legally entered the U.S. on January 18, 2025, with permission to stay until July 17, 2025. A DHS spokesperson stressed she violated laws by overstaying.
Monk supports arresting dangerous criminals but criticizes certain ICE actions. “[Trump] is in an impossible situation…he cannot be held responsible 100 percent for the actions of bad ICE officers,” he said.
Financial and Health Challenges
The legal battle has strained the Barazone family financially. Monk allocates his Social Security income toward legal costs, while relatives also contribute. His health, including heart issues, adds to the stress, potentially delaying medical procedures.
Despite challenges, Monk supports Trump’s immigration policy but recommends reforms. “There should be a standard when they’re enforcing immigration laws on illegal immigrants, especially on the criminals…But they should have a separate standard for American citizens,” he emphasized.
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