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By Billal Rahman
Immigration Reporter
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A Wisconsin man who voted for President Donald Trump has told Newsweek he is "seriously considering" leaving the United States after his wife was detained by federal immigration authorities.
Bradley Bartell's wife, Camila Muñoz, is a Peruvian citizen who remained in the U.S. after her visa expired while she was in the process of securing permanent residency.
"I've been seriously considering moving to Peru if they deport her, nothing is for certain yet, but it is in the back of my mind," said Bartell.
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The Trump supporter previously told Newsweek it would be difficult for his 12-year-old son if he were to leave the country.
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Why It Matters
Millions of Americans supported Trump, drawn to his promise of large-scale deportations targeting migrants living in the U.S. unlawfully, especially those with criminal records. However, as immigration enforcement operations accelerate nationwide, concerns are growing that the administration is targeting nonviolent offenders and migrants with no gang ties.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have detained nonviolent offenders and legal permanent residents as part of Trump's mass deportation efforts, and the White House has maintained that anyone living in the country illegally is considered a criminal by the administration.
What To Know
Muñoz first came to Wisconsin Dells in 2019 on a work-study visa. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was unable to travel back home and her visa expired. During this time, while working in farming and hospitality, she met Bartell, who gave her his phone number on a scrap of paper—though she initially discarded it.
A few days later, the two reconnected through Facebook, and their relationship quickly grew serious. They eventually married, but pandemic restrictions made a honeymoon impossible.
In February, Muñoz and Bartell traveled to Puerto Rico to finally take their long-awaited honeymoon. However, upon returning to the U.S. mainland, immigration agents stopped Muñoz and questioned her citizenship status. When she explained that she was not an American citizen but was in the process of obtaining a green card, agents detained her.
On Saturday afternoon, Bartell traveled more than 2,000 miles to visit his wife, currently detained at an ICE center in Louisiana.
The visit brought relief and heartbreak as the couple reunited under challenging circumstances.
Bartell described the journey as emotionally exhausting but said the public attention surrounding his wife's case has given her hope.
"She is doing O.K., the publicity seems to be helping her keep her hopes up and keeping a positive attitude," he said. "It's tough for her in there, we are doing our best but it is difficult to stay positive."
Reflecting on their emotional reunion, Bartell expressed the bittersweet feelings of seeing his wife and having to leave her behind.
"It was good to be able to see her and hug her and see her beautiful smile, but leaving without her was an awful feeling. Just terrible," Bartell said.
When asked about his wife's treatment in detention, Bartell noted that the media attention may have played a role in ensuring her well-being.
"She didn't really mention too much about the treatment, it seems they are treating her O.K., I think that media presence is probably helpful, as far as the staff knowing that mistreatment would be heard about," he said.
Bartell said his attorneys will file a Notice to Appear to begin formal immigration court proceedings.
He previously told Newsweek that he does not regret voting for President Donald Trump, who vowed to deport millions of migrants without legal status.
What People Are Saying
Bartell previously told Newsweek: "It's all been a nightmare really, taking things as they come and moving forward. We have an attorney. The system for getting people through seems to be very inefficient, so it is taking longer than it should."
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told Newsweek: "Thanks to President Donald Trump and Secretary Noem, we are once again a nation of laws. We will find, arrest, and deport illegal aliens. We are prioritizing the worst of the worst and aliens with final removal orders. Secretary Noem's message is clear: If you come to our country illegally, we will deport you, and you will never return. The safest option for illegal aliens is to self-deport, so they still have the opportunity to return and live the American dream."
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a January news conference: "If an individual is overstaying their visa, they are, therefore, an illegal immigrant residing in this country, and they are subject to deportation."
What Happens Next
Bartell continues to advocate for his wife's release while navigating the legal process to secure her permanent residency. The couple remain hopeful that public awareness and legal efforts will lead to a positive resolution. Muñoz will remain in ICE custody while she awaits a decision in her case.
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