An individual born in Edmonton, who had been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Texas for nine months, is now back in Canada. Curtis Wright, 40, had lived most of his life in the United States and was held by ICE following a business trip to Mexico in November. The reason for his detention traces back to a minor drug possession charge when he was 17 years old.
Motivated to stay in the U.S. to be with his two young sons, aged 8 and 11, from a previous marriage, Wright was returned to Canada in mid-August. Currently residing temporarily with his fiancée and their two-year-old daughter in Kelowna, B.C., Wright shared his detention experiences in an interview with Edmonton AM.
Upon his return from Mexico, Wright faced intense questioning by immigration officials, leading to his immediate detention. Shackled and transferred to a federal facility, he was informed that his court date was over a month away. Despite never facing such circumstances previously in his frequent travels to the U.S., Wright was denied bond due to being classified as a visiting alien reentering the country.
Throughout his ordeal, efforts to secure his release included appeals, support from senators, and media attention. Despite exhausting all options over the nine-month period, Wright was ultimately deported to Canada. His detention experience was characterized by poor hygiene conditions, inadequate food, and mistreatment by security officers.
After deciding to return to Canada for the sake of his family, Wright plans to resume his career in the oil and gas industry in Edmonton, where his employer has pledged support. Grateful for the backing of his employer and family members in Edmonton, Wright remains optimistic about rebuilding his life in Canada.
