An Iraq War veteran, who once served his country with dedication, now finds himself caught in a legal battle that could determine his future in the U.S. Marlon Parris, a former U.S. Army soldier with six years of service, was unexpectedly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) near his home in Laveen earlier this year. His arrest, which came on January 22—just days after President Donald Trump took office—has left his family, supporters, and legal team fighting for justice.
A Veteran’s Unexpected Detainment
Parris' journey through the legal system has been anything but straightforward. Back in 2011, he pleaded guilty to a nonviolent drug offense. At the time, ICE assured him that this conviction wouldn’t lead to deportation. He served his time, was released in 2016, and successfully completed his probation in 2021. However, despite years of law-abiding life post-incarceration, ICE still moved to detain him in January, sparking a wave of outcry.
At a recent hearing in Florence, Arizona, Judge Frank Travieso urged the government to clarify the charges against Parris, asking them to "clean up the charging document" and better specify their claims. Now, Parris and his attorney, Douglas Kouffie, have several weeks to formally respond to the allegations before his next court appearance in March. This hearing could determine whether he will be deported or if the case against him will be dropped.
The Fight to Stay
If the court rules against him, Parris will still have a chance to argue his case in another hearing. His attorney remains hopeful, emphasizing that Parris had previously been allowed to stay in the country even during the Trump administration’s first term. However, the sudden change in ICE’s stance now raises serious concerns.
"The government had already exercised discretion to allow him to remain in the country," said Kouffie. "Now, they seem to be revoking that decision with no new criminal activity or cause. That’s not something that happens often, and we plan to highlight this in court."
Kouffie passionately argued that Parris deserves the right to stay, pointing to his service and sacrifice. "Marlon has risked his life for this country—twice. He was deployed on two separate occasions. In my opinion, he’s as American as any of us. He should not only be allowed to stay but should also have the opportunity to become a naturalized citizen."
At the close of Parris' recent hearing, Judge Travieso took a moment to acknowledge and thank him for his service—a rare but powerful gesture in the midst of the legal battle.
A Family’s Struggle
For Parris' wife, Tanisha Hartwell-Parris, the fight is deeply personal. Since his arrest, she has been visiting him and speaking to him on the phone almost daily, trying to keep his spirits up.
"It’s been tough, but I feel like we are making progress," she said outside the courthouse. "We’re definitely moving forward."
The couple had anticipated possible immigration challenges following Trump’s election, but they never imagined it would escalate to this level. "We have all the paperwork, every document proving my husband has the right to be here," Hartwell-Parris stated. "We were prepared for the worst with the change in government, but we should not be in this position."
She has found unexpected support in Common Defense, a veterans’ advocacy group, which has rallied behind Parris. Members of the organization attended the hearing, bringing flowers and launching a petition to demand his release. The overwhelming backing from fellow veterans has been both shocking and heartwarming for her.
"I had no idea how big this issue was until I was thrown into it," she admitted. "It’s not just Marlon—many veterans are facing deportation. So, this fight isn’t just for him. It’s for every veteran caught in similar immigration struggles."
A Call for Justice
Jojo Sweatt, a Marine Corps veteran and organizing director at Common Defense, has been one of Parris’ most vocal supporters. She has vowed to continue pushing for his release and raising awareness about the injustice of deporting veterans.
"We have about 30 days to raise some more hell," Sweatt stated firmly. "It is a tragedy and an absolute disgrace that our country is discarding the very people who signed up to serve—people who were willing to die for this nation."
She strongly believes that no veteran should ever be at risk of deportation. "Instead of targeting veterans, this administration should be prioritizing them," she said. "If they truly care about immigration reform, they should start by granting legal status to those who have fought for this country."
Political and Legal Action
Parris’ case has caught the attention of lawmakers as well. A spokesperson from U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego’s office confirmed that they have been in contact with his family and attorney. They are also reaching out to ICE for further discussions on his case, adding another layer of pressure to the government’s decision-making process.
Meanwhile, Hartwell-Parris remains hopeful but prepared for any outcome. "I’m just trying to keep him encouraged," she said. "I remind him every day that people are fighting for him. He’s so grateful to everyone rallying behind him. This is someone who has every right to be here."
A Nation’s Responsibility
The question now is: will the country Marlon Parris fought for fight for him in return? His case is more than just an immigration issue—it’s a reflection of how America treats those who have served. As his supporters continue to push for justice, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining his fate.
For now, all eyes are on the next hearing scheduled for March 24, where a decision could shape not only Parris’ future but the broader discussion on how the U.S. treats its immigrant veterans.
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