A former military service member is departing the United States following the apprehension of her spouse by ICE officials during a green card interview. Matheus Silveira, 30, was detailing his reasons for seeking a green card when four ICE agents entered the room at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services building in San Diego, California, and arrested him for overstaying his visa. Matheus, employed as a delivery driver, was subsequently taken to an ICE detention center, where he remains in custody. Matheus and his wife, Hannah, also 30 years old and a former combat medic in the US Army, are preparing to relocate to Brazil in the coming weeks after Matheus was granted voluntary departure from the US instead of facing deportation.
Expressing disillusionment with the current state of affairs in the US, Hannah mentioned feeling unsafe and uncertain about the future in her homeland. She voiced concerns about the political climate and the potential for prolonged instability. Recalling her service in the military, Hannah expressed disappointment in having to relinquish their plans for a stable life in the US. Matheus initially came to the US in 2019 to study English and later met Hannah in 2022. Following their engagement and marriage in August 2024, the couple had aspirations of homeownership and starting a family before Matheus’ detention.
Hannah lamented the disruption of their life plans due to the unexpected turn of events, citing a sense of fear and insecurity. Despite legal advice suggesting Matheus could proceed with the green card process despite visa expiration, his detention and subsequent conditions in custody raised concerns for Hannah. Facing restrictions on bond due to a past offense, Matheus was deemed a danger to the community, prompting the decision for both him and Hannah to depart for Brazil.
Reflecting on the drastic change in circumstances, Hannah expressed doubts about returning to the US, citing a lack of familiarity and a deep sense of loss. Concerns about the political landscape and the potential consequences of current policies further influenced their decision to leave. The couple, now planning their move to Brazil, emphasized their feelings of displacement and the challenging decision to leave behind their ambitions in the US.
