An individual originally from Edmonton who spent an extended period in detention under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has returned to Canada. Curtis Wright, aged 40, a long-term U.S. resident, was held in Texas by ICE for nine months following a trip to Mexico in November. His detention was linked to a minor drug possession offense dating back to when he was 17 years old.
Motivated to stay in the U.S. to be close to his two young sons, aged 8 and 11, from a previous marriage, Wright shared his challenging experience while striving to remain in the country. He was deported to Canada in mid-August and is currently residing temporarily in Kelowna, British Columbia, at his parents’ home with his fiancée and their two-year-old daughter.
During an interview with Edmonton AM, Wright recounted the obstacles he encountered while endeavoring to remain in the U.S. This journey included multiple setbacks and legal battles, culminating in his return to Canada. Despite efforts from various political figures and exhausting all available options, Wright ultimately had to accept the reality of being deported to Canada for the well-being of his family.
Reflecting on his time in ICE detention, Wright described the deplorable conditions he endured, including poor hygiene, inadequate facilities, and mistreatment by security personnel. The ordeal was marked by psychological and emotional strain, with authorities employing tactics to discourage detainees from pursuing legal avenues.
After contemplating his options, Wright made the difficult decision to be deported to Canada, prioritizing his family’s stability and future. Now back in Canada, he plans to resume his career in the oil and gas industry, leveraging his expertise and support from his employer to establish a Canadian division. With family ties in Edmonton, Wright is optimistic about rebuilding his life and moving forward from the challenges he faced in the U.S. detention system.