Undocumented Husband Detained Returning From US Virgin Islands Vacation Released on Bond
In December 2024, a family vacation turned into a legal crisis for Carlos Della Valle, a 49-year-old Mexican national and long-time U.S. resident. While returning from a holiday trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) with his American wife, Angela, and their son, Carlos was detained by immigration officials at the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas.
Despite the USVI being a U.S. territory, travelers flying to the mainland must pass through a full customs and immigration inspection. This specific jurisdictional requirement, established to monitor travel from the Caribbean, often catches mixed-status families off guard. Carlos, who has lived in the United States for over 23 years without legal status, was identified and detained during this screening process.
Following his detention, Federal Public Defender Melanie Turnbull represented Carlos in court. Two days after his arrest, she successfully argued for his release, and the judge granted a $20,000 bond. This ruling allowed Carlos to travel back to his home in Pennsylvania rather than remaining in indefinite detention while awaiting trial.
Defense attorneys and supporters emphasize that Carlos has no criminal record beyond his immigration status. His employer submitted a letter of support describing his life as exemplary, and advocates argue the family was genuinely unaware that a domestic flight from a U.S. territory would trigger an enforcement check comparable to international travel. Carlos now faces a future trial to determine whether he will be allowed to remain in the country with his family.
miamiherald.com
