Donna Hughes-Brown, originally from Ireland and a legal permanent resident in Missouri, faced deportation attempts by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following her arrest. Her situation is underscored by the irony that her husband, Jim Brown, who voted for Trump in the 2024 election, remarked post-arrest that he regretted his action, labeling it a mistake. After spending nearly five months in detention, she returned to her home and is now committed to shedding light on the injustices faced by women still incarcerated by immigration enforcement.

While recounting her harrowing experience, Hughes-Brown expressed a strong emotional connection to the other women she met during her detention, emphasizing that their stories deserve to be told and heard. Despite her own challenges, she aims to raise awareness about the conditions and treatment of detainees and the impact of immigration policies on vulnerable populations. Her advocacy work highlights the intersection of gender and immigration issues in America, calling for a more humane approach to those who are subjected to the immigration system.

Hughes-Brown's commitment to fighting for the rights of other detained women can lead to broader discussions on immigration reforms and policies that disproportionately affect women. As more individuals like her share their experiences, the focus may shift toward addressing systemic problems within the immigration system, potentially influencing public opinion and policies at both state and national levels.