An individual born in Edmonton and primarily residing in the United States has returned to Canada after a legal battle to stay in the U.S. with his two sons was unsuccessful. Curtis Wright, aged 40, shared his ordeal of enduring harsh conditions in various U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities in Texas following his detainment ten months ago.
Rather than voluntarily returning to Canada, Wright fought to remain in the U.S. to be with his children from a previous marriage, emphasizing the importance of being an active father in their lives. Recently repatriated from the South Texas ICE Processing Centre, Wright’s sons, aged eight and 11, are still in Texas.
Wright, who relocated to Houston as a youth and later found employment in the oil and gas sector, faced legal issues upon his return from Mexico where an old drug possession conviction from his teenage years resurfaced during an interview with immigration authorities. Despite having lived in the U.S. for nearly three decades without incident, he was detained by ICE agents, marking a sudden shift from freedom to federal custody.
Describing the conditions at the detention facilities, Wright highlighted the challenges faced by detainees, including poor food quality, unsanitary showers, and being referred to by dorm and bunk numbers instead of names. He expressed disbelief at the drastic change in his circumstances, from enjoying freedom to enduring the Texas heat and freezing cold intake cells.
While ICE officials disputed claims of inhumane treatment at the detention center, Wright recounted his experiences and emphasized the shared humanity of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. Despite his appeal to remain in the U.S., Wright decided to end the legal battle in July and accepted the removal order to return to Canada.
Now back in Canada with his fiancée and young daughter, Wright plans to seek employment in Edmonton with the aim of restarting his career with a former employer. He expressed gratitude for being sent to Canada and highlighted the impact of deportation on American families, emphasizing that his situation is not unique and affects many others in similar circumstances.
Reunited with his loved ones in Kelowna, Wright expressed his relief and joy at being back with his family, underscoring the importance of connection and shared moments with his children.