Family Fighting to Free Father of 3, a Legal Permanent U.S. Resident from Canada, from ICE Custody After More Than 100 Days

**Family Fights for Return of Canadian-Born Permanent Resident Detained in Texas**

Curtis James Wright’s family is rallying for his release after he has spent over 100 days in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A father of three, Wright was detained on November 6, 2022, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston while returning from a business trip to Mexico. According to his fiancée, Kayla Thomsen, authorities pulled him aside for an additional screening at customs, and hours later, he was informed of his detention.

Wright, originally from Canada, has been a legal permanent resident in the United States since moving there as a child. His loved ones have expressed their bewilderment regarding his detention, especially given that he has had his green card renewed twice without any prior issues. “We were baffled. Like, this can’t happen,” Thomsen said, echoing the confusion felt by the family over the sudden turn of events.

The complications stem from a misdemeanor drug possession charge that Wright received when he was just 17 years old. Despite having already faced legal consequences for this incident two decades ago, immigration officials have now initiated proceedings to revisit his green card status in light of this past misdemeanor. “That charge was adjudicated when he was a young teenager, 22 years ago,” his father, Jim Wright, remarked. He emphasised that if the matter needs to be resolved in immigration court, it should not result in Curtis’s prolonged detention.

The family’s concerns are primarily focused on the well-being of Wright’s children, including his 18-month-old daughter, who is described as waking up each day asking for her father. “His baby girl asks for her daddy every day,” the GoFundMe campaign launched by Thomsen’s mother, Danelle Jensen, states. The little girl carries a photo of her father with her, a poignant reminder of his absence that she struggles to comprehend.

As of now, Curtis is being held at the South Texas Detention Facility in Pearsall. His family is undertaking significant legal efforts to secure his release, having filed a writ of habeas corpus, which argues that his continued detention infringes on his constitutional rights. They contend he has not been afforded proper due process and assert he is not a flight risk.

The family has created a fundraising campaign to assist with the legal costs associated with his ongoing detention and potential deportation. The stakes are high: if Curtis were to be found in violation of his immigration status and deported to Canada, it could have devastating consequences for his family. “He would risk losing custody of his sons. The ripple effects on our family are devastating,” stressed Thomsen’s mother in the fundraiser’s description.

Despite the seriousness of his situation, Thomsen reports that Curtis has managed to maintain a positive outlook while in custody. He has earned the nickname “professor” among fellow detainees by teaching English to others, demonstrating an enduring spirit amid difficult circumstances. “He said, ‘I can’t live like this in here, who can I help?’” Thomsen recounted, highlighting his instinct to support those around him.

The GoFundMe campaign portrays Curtis as a devoted father who is actively sharing both his resources and his knowledge with other detainees, many of whom lack support and basic necessities. Jensen noted that Curtis is surrounded by good men—fathers and workers—many of whom are separated from their families and face immense pressure to self-deport due to the emotional toll of their circumstances.

While the family understands the importance of addressing legal violations, they firmly believe that Curtis does not belong in the same category as dangerous criminals. “We understand getting the bad out,” Thomsen stated. “But Curtis is not bad. He’s not a bad man.” The ongoing fight for his release continues to highlight the complexities and emotional ramifications of immigration policies. As his family persists in their efforts for justice, they remain hopeful for a resolution that will reunite them with Wright soon.