Jemmy Jimenez Rosa, a 42-year-old legal permanent resident and mother of four U.S. citizens, was detained by federal authorities on Aug. 11 at Boston Logan International Airport over a decades-old, personal-use marijuana conviction—now no longer a crime in Massachusetts.
Her husband, Marcel Rosa, described the traumatic scene as their three young daughters cried in fear and confusion. ICE, CBP, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office provided no direct explanation for the detention, only vaguely referencing her past arrest.
During 10 days in custody, Jimenez Rosa was transferred across facilities—from Massachusetts to Maine—including a men’s facility. She suffered from denied medical care for diabetes, asthma, depression, and other serious conditions, resulting in two hospitalizations.
Federal authorities initially refused to communicate with her lawyer, Todd Pomerleau, or allow legal access. A habeas corpus petition filed by Pomerleau led to a judge vacating her past marijuana conviction on Aug. 20.
Despite her release, Jimenez Rosa was left alone in the rain, 30 miles from home, without a phone, and sought help from a stranger at The Cheesecake Factory in Burlington Mall before being reunited with her family. Her husband and lawyer described her as traumatized, disheveled, and emotionally shattered.
State Sen. Paul Feeney criticized the detention as cruel and unnecessary, noting it did not enhance public safety. The family has since established a GoFundMe to cover legal costs and seeks continued advocacy to prevent similar incidents.
Marcel Rosa warned other Green Card holders to consult an attorney before traveling, citing the risk of arbitrary detainment, and Pomerleau emphasized that the case highlights the importance of upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.
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