Elvira Benitez Suarez was released last week after a judge said she could be home while her immigration case unfolds. 

This is the first time we've heard from Benitez Suarez. Community members gathered outside the Department of Homeland Security building in Milwaukee Monday as Elvira waited to go inside for a check-in with ICE.  

CBS 58

As she walked into the USCIS building in Milwaukee, community members gathered around her, showing support to the woman who in March, was detained at the same location for the same check-in. 

"You are treated like you really committed a crime," Benitez Suarez said. "There's nothing -- I just have to go through every rule and regulation the jail has. Very stressful, very stressful and very hard."

After spending nearly three-quarters of the past year in jail while her immigration case plays out, Suarez came out to a show of support Monday. 

"Thank you so much for all of your support," she said. "Mothers belong with their kids."

Elvira has been in the United States for 35 years, first arriving as a survivor of human trafficking and domestic violence. She had been granted a permanent resident status but was taken into custody last summer when she took the wrong exit on a vacation, ending up in Canada. 

CBS 58

She was in custody for six months before a judge allowed her release, but at a check-in in March, she was taken back into custody after the US government appealed the decision. Yet another judge recently ruled against the Trump administration, allowing those with a pending immigration case, like Elvira, to be with their families. 

"I know I went through a lot this past year," Elvira said. "My family has gone through a lot. There's a lot of stuff, a lot of healing that I'm going through. But I'm confident that I received a blessing for a green card from this judge in Ohio. I believe God made a way for me."

Her attorney, Marc Christopher, says she was doing everything by the book and has no criminal record, so he shares her happiness in being with her family. 

"She's gone through legal pathways to get her legal resident status, and it's only the government who's chosen to appeal. It's only right she's able to be with her family while that appeal is pending."

Elvira's immigration lawyer tells us she has to do a virtual check-in every week to show where she is, and her next appointment with ICE will be in August. 

He says it could take about two years until her case comes to an end.