British Mother Lauren Jane Morris Faces ICE Detention in Spokane After Five Assault Convictions Emerge Amid Public Outcry

A routine immigration arrest in Spokane County has ignited heated debate across Washington State, especially among anti-ICE advocates.

Lauren Jane Morris, a 38-year-old British mother, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on February 11 outside the Spokane County Courthouse, in front of her 16-month-old daughter.

Her family painted the scene as a heart-wrenching moment, highlighting the child witnessing her mother’s detention.

But newly revealed court records and ICE statements suggest Morris has a long history of criminal convictions, including multiple assaults, which complicates the narrative.

A History of Convictions

According to ICE, Morris—also referred to in official documents as Lauren Mellen, her ex-husband’s surname—has five assault convictions, including one as recently as August 2024.

Public records show she was sentenced to 24 months, likely probation, for fourth-degree felony assault in Spokane County that same year.

Morris has also faced charges for criminal trespassing and violating restraining orders.

ICE confirmed that she will remain in custody at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma pending removal proceedings.

“Under President [Donald] Trump and Secretary [Kristi] Noem, if you break the law, you will face consequences,” an ICE spokesperson told reporters.

Early Life and Immigration Story

Morris was born in Burton Upon Trent, Staffordshire, England, and spent part of her youth in London before moving to the United States at 15.

Her family claims she is a lawful permanent resident, while her 16-month-old daughter is a U.S. citizen.

Records show she entered the U.S. in February 2004.

In 2007, she married James Mellen in Montana, later applying for and receiving a marriage-based visa and subsequent permanent residency.

The couple eventually divorced, though the exact timeline remains unclear.

Morris filed a lawsuit against Mellen and her immigration co-sponsor in 2021, claiming she was owed financial support, but the case was dismissed after a negotiated resolution.

Life in Spokane

Morris currently resides in a $277,000 rental property in Spokane, though her employment history remains unknown.

She does not maintain a social media presence, and reports have not verified how she supports herself and her young daughter.

Her detention has prompted responses from local media and public figures. KING 5 journalists covered the story from a human-interest perspective, focusing on the family’s distress.

Critics, including Jason Rantz of Seattle Red radio, accused the outlet of downplaying Morris’s criminal history in favor of a sympathetic narrative.

Public Reaction and Debate

Morris’s case has become a flashpoint in Washington State.

Supporters argue the detention of a mother with a young child is inhumane, while opponents stress the importance of enforcing immigration and criminal laws.

The tension highlights the broader national debate over ICE enforcement policies, especially for individuals with complex legal and personal histories.

What’s Next?

Morris is scheduled for an immigration hearing in Tacoma on Thursday, February 26.

The proceedings will determine whether she will remain in ICE custody or face removal from the United States.

Advocates on both sides are expected to attend, and the case could influence public discussions on immigration enforcement in family contexts.

Summary

Lauren Jane Morris, a British mother living in Spokane, Washington, has been detained by ICE amid controversy over her criminal past and the presence of her toddler at the arrest.

She has five assault convictions and additional legal infractions, which ICE cites as grounds for her detention and potential removal.

While media coverage and public opinion differ sharply on the case, Morris’s upcoming immigration hearing will be a decisive moment for her future in the United States.