An individual born in Edmonton who underwent a lengthy period of detention by ICE in the United States has returned to Canada and is now recounting his ordeal. Curtis Wright, 40, a long-time U.S. resident, was held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Texas for nine months following a trip to Mexico in November. The detention stemmed from a minor drug possession charge dating back to when he was 17 years old.
Motivated to stay in the U.S. to be near his two young sons from a previous marriage, aged 8 and 11 in Texas, Wright was eventually returned to Canada in mid-August. He is currently residing temporarily with his fiancée and their daughter in Kelowna, B.C. In an interview on Edmonton AM, Wright shared the challenges he encountered while striving to remain in the U.S.
Upon his return to Texas from Mexico, Wright was subjected to an intensive screening process, leading to his detention based on the past possession charge. Despite having never faced a similar situation previously during his numerous entries into the U.S., Wright found himself entangled in a legal battle that lasted for nine months, marked by repeated postponements of court dates designed to discourage him from pursuing his case.
Throughout his time in detention centers, Wright endured substandard living conditions, including poor hygiene, inadequate food, and mistreatment by security officers. The harsh conditions and prolonged legal proceedings eventually led Wright to decide to accept deportation to Canada for the sake of his family, particularly to be close to his children.
Looking ahead, Wright plans to resume his career in the oil and gas industry, with his former employer in Houston establishing a Canadian division for him to manage in Edmonton. Supported by his employer and family members in Canada, Wright is focused on rebuilding his life and moving forward from the challenging chapter of his detention experience.