A woman from Kentucky, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was detained by federal authorities during an immigration interview. This event unfolded in front of her 18-month-old child, according to her attorney.
Armelle Bondonga had entered the United States on a visa in 2013. She was detained on August 12 during an immigration interview about her marriage-based application. Accompanying her were her husband, an American citizen, and their young son.
Attorney Arianit Osmani explained that Armelle and her husband aimed to resolve her immigration status lawfully through this legal process. However, following the interview, ICE took Bondonga into custody. Osmani stated Bondonga had fully complied with the immigration process.
Bondonga’s husband, Terrance Bradshaw, now faces the challenges of caring for their child and managing household responsibilities alone. Meanwhile, Bondonga experiences this separation from a detention facility, creating significant emotional and practical hardships for the family.
ICE officials stated that Bondonga entered the U.S. legally in September 2013, but her visa expired in March 2014. They claim she accrued over a decade of unlawful presence. A final order of removal was issued against her in November 2025.
An ICE spokesperson encouraged illegal immigrants to use the CBP Home App for self-deportation, offering financial incentives and a free flight to facilitate the process.
Kentucky State Representative Nima Kulkarni criticized ICE’s treatment of Bondonga, describing it as inhumane and politically motivated. Upon visiting her in detention, Kulkarni noted Bondonga’s focus on her family and fellow detainees, emphasizing communal support.
Kulkarni stressed Bondonga’s positive contribution to society, advocating for reform in the immigration system that fairly addresses such cases. Current policies, she argued, lead to family separations without due process.
Prior to Kentucky, Bondonga lived in California, New York, and Maine. She attended Waggener High School in Louisville and earned a degree from Jefferson Community and Technical College. In high school, Bondonga co-founded Future Ancestors, a group prompted by Breonna Taylor’s death.
Ryan Davis, Bondonga’s former teacher, expressed deep concern for her situation and highlighted the community’s support for her release.
Bondonga once stated her reasons for leaving Congo included its violent history and lack of freedom. She relishes opportunities in America to express her voice and participate in community events.
Osmani noted that Bondonga’s husband filed an I-130 petition, asking for recognition of their marriage by the federal government. Her detention continues to separate her from her family, imposing a significant burden as the government considers her removal.
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