HOUSTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that Curtis James Wright remains in custody after being denied entry to the United States at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston on November 6, 2025.
“He was denied entry because of his criminal history. CBP arrested him and turned him over to ICE where he remains in custody pending the outcome of his immigration case,” ICE spokesperson said in a statement to KPRC 2 News.
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ICE detailed Wright’s criminal record, citing convictions in 2004 for possession of a controlled substance. The agency emphasized that lawful permanent residents presenting at U.S. ports of entry with prior convictions may face mandatory detention. “A green card is a privilege, not a right,” the statement said.
Wright’s fiancée, Kayla Thomsen, disputed the federal agency’s claims and the legality of his detention. She said federal law shields Wright from removal because more than 22 years have passed since his offense.
“Curtis has been a resident for 25 years, and it’s been 22 years since the offense. ICE has renewed his green card twice, he is no longer deportable and is currently being unlawfully detained,” Thomsen told KPRC 2’s Rilwan Balogun in a text message. She also argued that Wright was incorrectly labeled as a visiting alien instead of a residing lawful permanent resident.
Thomsen said Wright’s second conviction was not a new possession charge but related to probation compliance.
“This is an example of ICE misinterpreting its own laws,” she said.
Wright, 39, has been detained since returning from a business trip to Mexico in November. His family said he has lived legally in the U.S. for over two decades and has three U.S.-born children.
Thomsen described the emotional toll on their 18-month-old daughter, saying, “she wakes up every morning saying ‘da-da,’ because it would be him going to get her. We’re all devastated.”
Wright’s attorneys filed a writ of habeas corpus in January, arguing that his detention violates due process and constitutional rights. The family has sought assistance from State Rep. Sam Harless and U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw.
The family emphasized that they support removing dangerous criminals from the U.S. but insist Curtis Wright does not pose a threat.
“Curtis is not bad. He’s not a bad man,” Thomsen said in a February interview.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement statement to KPRC 2 News:
“On Nov. 6, 2025, Curtis James Wright, with two previous drug convictions, arrived at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Upon arrival, Wright presented a Canadian passport and is a legal permanent resident who applied for admission to the United States as a returning LPR.
He was denied entry because of his criminal history. CBP arrested him and turned him over to ICE where he remains in custody pending the outcome of his immigration case.
On Jan. 21, 2004, Wright was convicted for possession of a controlled substance. He was convicted again on Nov. 3, 2004, in the same court for possession of a controlled substance.
A green card is a privilege, not a right. Under our nation’s laws, our government has the authority to revoke a green card if our laws are broken and abused. In addition to immigration removal proceedings, lawful permanent residents presenting at a U.S. port of entry with previous criminal convictions may be subject to mandatory detention.”