In an ironic twist that highlights the complex landscape of US immigration enforcement, a Wisconsin man who voted for President Donald Trump now finds himself navigating a bureaucratic nightmare after his Peruvian wife was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This case illuminates the unexpected ways in which immigration policies can impact families across political divides.
A Honeymoon Turns into a Nightmare
Bradley Bartell and Camila Muñoz should have been enjoying the afterglow of their honeymoon in Puerto Rico. Instead, as they attempted to return to their Wisconsin home in February 2025, their lives took a dramatic turn at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan.
When asked by an immigration agent if she was an American citizen, Muñoz truthfully answered no. Despite having no criminal record, paying taxes, and being in the process of applying for permanent residency through her marriage to a US citizen, she was taken into custody on the spot.
“I knew they were cracking down,” Bartell later told reporters. “I guess I didn’t know how it was going down.”
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The Legal Limbo
Muñoz had initially come to the United States on a work-study visa in 2019. That visa expired during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving her in a precarious legal position despite her ongoing efforts to secure legal status through her marriage.
David Rozas, the immigration attorney representing Muñoz, explained that the case reflects a broader shift in enforcement priorities. “Anyone who isn’t a legal permanent resident or U.S. citizen is at risk – period,” Rozas stated, highlighting how enforcement has expanded beyond those with criminal records to include individuals with pending legal applications.
After her initial detention in San Juan, Muñoz was transferred to a facility in Miami before being moved again to a private ICE detention center in Louisiana, hundreds of miles from her husband and support network.
Financial and Emotional Strain
The couple has faced mounting challenges since Muñoz’s detention. Their savings, originally intended for purchasing a new home, have been redirected to legal fees in their fight for her release.
“It can’t be easy being trapped in a room with 100 other people,” Bartell described. “They don’t have anything in there. It’s just so wasteful.”
The financial burden prompted Bartell to launch a GoFundMe campaign titled “Free Camila! Help with legal and bond support,” with an initial goal of $3,000. As reports indicated, the potential bond could reach as high as $10,000, placing additional strain on the couple’s resources.
Politics and Personal Impact
Perhaps the most striking aspect of this case is Bartell’s continued political stance. Despite his wife’s detention under the very policies he voted for, Bartell told Newsweek, “I don’t regret the vote.”
This statement has generated considerable discussion about the disconnect between political support for strict immigration policies and the personal consequences when those policies affect loved ones. It highlights the complex intersection of political values and personal relationships in America’s divided landscape.
A System Under Scrutiny
Immigration experts note that Muñoz’s case is not isolated. Under the current administration, airports have increasingly become checkpoints for immigration enforcement, even for those with pending legal status applications.
The American Civil Liberties Union has raised concerns about what they describe as the “weaponization” of immigration processes against individuals caught in legal transitions, arguing that such enforcement undermines family unity without enhancing national security.
Ongoing Uncertainty
As of March 24, 2025, no public reports indicated Muñoz’s release from ICE custody. Her attorney described the bond hearing process as inefficient, with the couple still waiting for a court date.
The detention continues to disrupt their plans for the future, including their dreams of establishing a home and starting a family. While community support has helped them approach their fundraising goals, the emotional and practical challenges remain substantial.
The Broader Context
Muñoz’s detention illustrates the real-world implementation of immigration policies that have been a cornerstone of the Trump administration. It raises questions about the balance between enforcement priorities and family unity, particularly in cases where individuals are actively pursuing legal pathways to residency.
Immigration attorneys point out that cases like this create a chilling effect, potentially discouraging others from engaging with the legal immigration system out of fear of detention during the application process.
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Looking Forward
For Bartell and Muñoz, the path forward remains uncertain. Their case exemplifies the human cost of immigration enforcement and the complicated reality that occurs when policy meets personal circumstances.
As the couple continues to navigate this challenging situation, their story serves as a reminder of how immigration policies affect real families across America—sometimes in ways voters never anticipated when casting their ballots.
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