In a distressing turn of events, an Army reservist and Black Hawk pilot, Christopher Busby, is advocating for the release of his wife, Stephanie Kenny-Velasquez, who has been detained following a scheduled check-in with immigration officials in December 2025. This appointment, which Christopher anticipated would be brief, has instead resulted in months of uncertainty for their family.
Stephanie, a 25-year-old Venezuelan national who arrived in the United States in 2021, was complying with the requirements of her pending asylum case when she was taken into custody. Christopher recalls waiting outside the immigration office, expecting the check-in to conclude within half an hour, only to find the minutes stretching into hours. He has since expressed deep concern for her well-being, stating, “For the first time in my life, I heard Stephanie scream.” Her attorney has confirmed that she had been meeting the necessary conditions of her release prior to her detention.
Initially placed in a facility in Conroe, Stephanie is now being held at the Houston Contract Detention Facility. Her husband describes her as a law-abiding citizen who had built a life in the U.S., having paid her taxes and maintained a good credit score. Their relationship blossomed in Austin, culminating in marriage in 2025, just before the upheaval caused by her detention. Christopher laments that their future together has been abruptly halted since that day.
The emotional toll of this ordeal has been profound for Christopher. He has found it impossible to sleep in a bed, unable to feel at ease while knowing his wife is not. He has even ceased flying, despite the requirement to log hours, as he believes he cannot focus adequately while she remains in custody. The anguish of hearing about Stephanie’s struggles within the detention facility weighs heavily on him, as he reports that she has lost considerable weight and is suffering from various physical ailments due to the conditions she is enduring.
Attorney Javier Rivera emphasizes that Stephanie had consistently adhered to the check-in protocols mandated by ICE. He highlights an important aspect of her case: as the spouse of a U.S. service member, her detention raises additional concerns. The legal team is currently exploring various avenues to secure her release, including a process called parole in place, which may allow certain military family members to stay in the U.S. while their legal matters are resolved.
Many Venezuelans, including Stephanie, have sought refuge in the U.S. through asylum or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) due to the dire conditions in their homeland. While TPS grants temporary permission to live and work in the U.S., it does not guarantee permanent residency. Stephanie had been preparing for her real estate exam, scheduled shortly after her check-in, and was actively working towards establishing her life in the United States.
As her hearing approaches, the uncertainty surrounding Stephanie’s future remains. It is unclear why she was detained on that occasion after having previously been allowed to stay free, and the duration of her detention is also uncertain. The Executive Office for Immigration Review, which oversees immigration court proceedings, has refrained from commenting on her case.
On Monday, Stephanie is expected to face a hearing that could significantly influence her situation moving forward.
