El Paso soldier’s wife faces potential deportation despite claims of legal entry, status

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Rosa Olson, the wife of active-duty soldier Jacob Olson, is facing potential deportation following government allegations that she entered the United States illegally.

Her family denies the claim, stating she originally entered the country legally on a student visa.

The couple married about one year ago and subsequently began the legal process for Rosa Olson to obtain a green card. Several months ago, she received a notification that she was at risk of deportation.

According to her, she previously attended El Paso Community College under a student visa and never entered the country illegally.

The couple's lawyer, Caroline Silva, said the presiding immigration judge has refused to terminate the deportation proceedings against Rosa Olson.

“The chances of her having to take voluntary departure at this point are very high because if there's no lawsuit in place at this point, then this will be her only option,” Silva said.

Rosa Olson, who comes from Tabasco, Mexico and has family in Juarez, spoke about the emotional strain of facing potential separation from her husband.

“It's frustrating, I feel scared, I don't want to be far from him,” Rosa Olson said.

The Olson family explained that the pending legal case creates deep uncertainty about their life together.

“I'm hesitating, you know, what is in the future for us,” Rosa Olson said. “If I'm going to be with him (Jacob) after, you know, next month, I just can be in Mexico again and not see him for the next three years, or never again.”

Rosa also described the distress caused by the immigration court proceedings:

“Well, I feel scared, I feel a lot of scared, I feel pain in my heart; it feels horrible,” Rosa Olson said. “They don't want me to be welcome anymore, I don't know, I feel like a criminal, like if I did something wrong.”

Jacob Olson also described the complications his military career presents if his wife is forced to leave the country.

“My biggest fear is if the judge issues the removal order and then let's say that happens, right?” Jacob Olson said. “Then my wife will be forced to go to Mexico and, you know, I'm in the military, so I'm going to get stationed somewhere else and move away and then I'm not going to be able to see her for like maybe four years.”

Jacob Olson remains hopeful for a favorable legal resolution.

“The situation is frustrating, but I'm hoping, you know, with our legal processes and everything, that the correct decision will be made and hopefully that they will favor us in the future,” Jacob Olson added.

Rosa Olson's second immigration court hearing is scheduled for Oct. 22.

The Department of Homeland Security sent ABC-7 the following statement on Olson's immigration status:

“On August 3, 2026, USCIS issued Rosa Emilia Olson, an illegal alien from Mexico, a notice to appear before an immigration judge. On July 13, 2025, she legally entered the country on a temporary basis but illegally overstayed her lawful admittance in violation of our laws. She has never been in ICE custody.

“To be clear: pending applications do NOT confer legal status in the U.S.

“DHS and USCIS value the contributions of all those who have served in the U.S. military. U.S. military service alone does not automatically grant lawful immigration status, or exempt aliens from the consequences of violating U.S. immigration laws.

“Having a family member in the military is not a free pass to violate our nation’s laws. Military service by an immediate relative does not automatically grant parole, lawful status, or immunity from immigration enforcement; if you are in the United States illegally, you are subject to enforcement. Programs like Military Parole in Place (MIL-PIP) are NOT automatic— we will not ignore the immigration laws of our country.

“Being in detention is a choice. We encourage all illegal aliens to take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $3,000 and a free flight to self-deport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return.”