What began as a painful trip home for her brother’s funeral has turned into a nightmare for a Rhode Island mother who has now spent nearly two weeks in federal custody.
Her family says there is no explanation for her detention at a facility that they describe as “humiliating.”
Eva Helena Mendes, a 48-year-old Woonsocket resident and mother of six, was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Boston Logan International Airport on Nov. 5 as she returned from Cape Verde, the country she left at age eight. The longtime green-card holder has lived in the United States for over four decades.
Her family and attorney say they still have no understanding of why she is being held.
I have to go with him
Mendes’ sister, Arlete Lattin, watched as officers led her away at the airport.
“She looked very worried,” Lattin told WPRI. “When I asked if everything was OK, she said, ‘No, I have to go with him.’”
Lattin was later told Mendes was being held on a warrant and that state police would take custody the following morning. That never happened, according to reports monitored by ShineMyCrown.
Held without notice — and in disturbing conditions
According to an advocacy post by PSL Rhode Island, Mendes had reportedly been forced to go without a shower for more than a week and remained “secretly held captive” without being transferred to local authorities or placed in deportation proceedings.
Her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, confirmed that even he cannot get answers.
“CBP has been holding her now for nearly two weeks,” he said. “She’s never been served with a written notice. I’m not entirely sure why she’s being detained.”
Pomerleau believes the issue may be tied to an old shoplifting charge but said nothing in her record would typically justify an immigration detainer for someone with lifelong legal residency.
A family desperate for answers
Before traveling, Mendes checked with immigration authorities and was assured she would have no difficulties leaving or returning to the U.S., her sister said.
“She wouldn’t have left if she knew there were any problems,” Lattin explained. “This is where she calls home.”
Now, her partner of many years, Jose Dejesus, is trying to reassure their children.
“I just want her to come home to her family where she belongs,” he said. “I don’t know what to tell my kids. I just keep saying she’ll be home soon. It’s killing me inside.”
Though he’s spoken to Mendes by phone, he still isn’t sure about her wellbeing. “I didn’t get to see her face. I don’t know what condition she’s in.”
Judge orders CBP to explain
U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns has ordered CBP not to remove Mendes from Massachusetts and gave authorities an ultimatum to explain the legal basis for her detention — a signal that the court wants immediate clarity.
CBP has not responded to media inquiries.
Meanwhile, supporters have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover legal fees as pressure mounts from local advocates demanding her release.
For Mendes’ family, the plea is simple — and urgent: Bring her home!
