The wife of an active-duty U.S. Coast Guardsman was recently arrested during a routine security screening at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Key West, Florida. Her visa had expired years ago, but she has since built a life here, including marrying her husband, who serves this country with honor.

While immigration laws must be upheld, this situation calls for a more measured and compassionate response. The woman was detained without incident while she and her husband were preparing to move into base housing — a process that should reflect support for the service members who protect our nation, not punitive action against their families.

Her husband, stationed aboard the USCGC Mohawk, had just returned from a lengthy deployment combating drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific. Now, instead of reuniting with his family and resettling after months at sea, he is facing the devastating reality of being separated from his spouse due to an administrative issue that could have been addressed without detention.

The United States has a long tradition of supporting military families, recognizing the sacrifices they make alongside their loved ones in uniform. Arresting and detaining the spouse of an active-duty service member over a long-expired visa undermines that commitment and sends the wrong message to those who serve.

We call on the Department of Homeland Security and relevant federal agencies to immediately release her and resolve her immigration status through appropriate legal channels without further detention.