Indian Woman Detained by ICE After 35 Years in US Faces Legal Battle Meenu Batra, a 53-year-old Indian-origin woman who has resided in the United States for over three decades, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Texas, sparking a legal dispute over the legality of her detention. Batra, who has lived in South Texas since 1991, is the sole licensed Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu court interpreter in the state, having worked for years to assist immigrants in legal proceedings. Her detention occurred on March 17 at Harlingen International Airport while she was traveling to Milwaukee for an immigration court assignment. ICE officers arrested her, handcuffed her, and transferred her to the El Valle detention facility in Raymondville, despite her claims of holding valid legal status and a work permit. Batra, who was born in India, fled to the U.S. as a child in 1991 after her parents were killed during the anti-Sikh violence of 1984. She has since raised four children in Texas, with her son recently enlisting in the U.S. Army. During her detention, she described being held without food or water for 24 hours and denied medical treatment, calling the experience "bizarre" and likening it to being treated like a criminal. Speaking to The Guardian from jail, she expressed confusion about her situation, stating, "I don't know how else to put it. Here I am just staring at the wall, wondering what exactly I'm doing here, but also what anybody is doing here." Her legal team, led by immigration lawyer Deepak Ahluwalia, has filed a habeas corpus petition challenging her detention. Ahluwalia explained that Batra was granted a "withholding of removal" order in 2000 by an immigration court, which determined she would face persecution in India. This legal protection means the U.#ice #meenu_batra #deepak_ahluwalia #harlingen_international_airport #el_valle_detention_facility
Proyectos de ley en Delaware buscan limitar los arrestos y la detención del ICE en los juzgados Los legisladores de Delaware podrían votar pronto sobre una legislación que busca restringir la participación de centros de detención privados en el estado y limitar las acciones del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) en juzgados. La representante estatal Mara Gorman, demócrata de Newark, promueve dos medidas que buscan abordar la aplicación de leyes de inmigración en el estado. La primera, aprobada por la Cámara de Representantes antes del receso de Semana Santa, prohibiría los arrestos civiles en oficinas del Departamento de Trabajo de Delaware donde se celebran audiencias de compensación laboral. Esta definición de "arresto civil" incluye la detención de personas no relacionadas con la aplicación de la ley penal o sin una orden judicial que autorice su detención. Gorman afirmó desconocer cualquier arresto realizado por agentes del ICE en juzgados del estado, pero destacó que en otros lugares del país, los agentes detienen a personas a las afueras de los tribunales, lo que disuade a la comunidad de acudir a los juzgados o buscar protección legal. El proyecto de ley fue aprobado por la Cámara de Representantes con 25 votos a favor y 13 en contra, y ahora pasa al Senado. Además, busca restringir a los operadores de prisiones privadas en Delaware. Durante décadas, las directrices del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de EE.UU. prohibieron las acciones de control migratorio en áreas protegidas como escuelas, iglesias y hospitales. El expresidente Joe Biden amplió esta política, limitando las actividades del ICE y la Oficina de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza cerca de juzgados. Sin embargo, el presidente Donald Trump revocó esta directriz al retomar el cargo en enero de 2025.#ice #delaware #mara_gorman #delaware_state_legislature #whyy_news
ICE Detains Driver in Kerrytown Without Notifying Local Officials Armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detained a driver near the intersection of Beakes Street and North Fifth Avenue in Kerrytown on Tuesday, according to a Facebook post by Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor. Taylor described the incident as a high-risk operation that occurred without prior notice to or collaboration with the city or the Ann Arbor Police Department. The mayor’s post detailed how ICE agents sealed off a vehicle with multiple surrounding cars, approached with guns drawn, and extracted the driver before taking him into custody. Taylor emphasized that the city and local police had no information about the arrest preparation, the driver’s identity, or the individual’s current location. The Ann Arbor Police Department (AAPD) responded to the scene at approximately 9 a.m. after ICE agents had already departed with the detained individual. In a statement posted to X, the AAPD noted that officers arrived to find the area cleared of federal agents. They proceeded to arrange for the vehicle blocking the bike lane to be towed. The department clarified that it was not informed of the enforcement activity before, during, or after the incident and stated it is not involved in the investigation. City Council has consistently opposed cooperation with ICE, reflecting broader tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local authorities. In February, the council passed a resolution prohibiting ICE agents from using city-owned parking lots as staging areas and requiring them to present a warrant to enter nonpublic areas within city facilities.#ice #city_council #ann_arbor_mayor_christopher_taylor #ann_arbor_police_department #kerrytown
Karol G na Coachelli walczy o głos dla Latynosów Karol G, kolumbijska gwiazda festiwalu Coachella, decyduje się na publiczne stawanie się głosem dla latynoskiej społeczności w kontrowersyjnej debacie o polowaniach na nielegalnych imigrantów w USA. Mimo ostrzeżeń ze strony bliskich i ryzyka utraty wizy, artystka nie zamierza milczeć, choć może to skutkować konsekwencjami. W wywiadzie dla „Playboya” podkreśla, że nie chce, by jej działania ograniczały się do jednego okrzyku „ICE Out” – chce być bardziej niż tylko symbolem protestu. W przeszłości wielokrotnie otrzymywała porady, by unikać krytyki agencji imigracyjnej ICE. Wspomina, że ludzie wokół niej przewidywali, że „jak się odezwiesz, to może nazajutrz zadzwonią do ciebie: Hej, zabieramy ci wiz”. To irytuje ją, ponieważ widzi w tym próbę ustawienia jej jako pionka w konflikcie mocy. Wspomina, że niektórzy chcą pokazać swoją władzę, co w jej odczuciu jest nieprawidłowe. Jej zespół również ostrzegał ją przed wyrażaniem takich stanowisk, ale Karol G twierdzi, że nie zamierza pozwolić, by ktoś zamykał jej usta. Chce, by jej głos był słuchany przez swoją społeczność, a nie ograniczony do jednej deklaracji. W wywiadzie podkreśla, że chce „pójść o krok dalej” – nie tylko wyrazić protest, ale też działać w sposób, który będzie miał realny wpływ. Nie jest to pierwszy przypadek, w którym gwiazdy decydują się na krytykę ICE. Bruce Springsteen w 2026 roku wydał protestowy utwór krytykujący amerykańską agencję imigracyjną. W trakcie gali Grammy 2026 portorykański piosenkarz Bad Bunny powiedział: „Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say: ICE out”. Wcześniej podobne stanowiska zajmowali Billie Eilish, Becky G czy Cardi B. Karol G, jako pierwsza latynoamerykańska artystka występująca na Coachella, zapisuje się na kartach historii.#ice #bad_bunny #coachella #karol_g #latynosowie
Karol G Wants to Speak Out More About ICE Karol G, the Colombian Grammy-winning artist, has expressed her desire to speak out more about immigration enforcement in the United States, particularly the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, she has been repeatedly cautioned against doing so, citing potential risks to her personal and professional life. In an interview accompanying her new Playboy cover, she explained that people often warn her, “It’s better you don’t,” because of the potential consequences of speaking out. She noted that if she were to criticize ICE, she might face calls from authorities threatening to revoke her visa, making her a target for those seeking to assert power. The singer, who is set to become the first Latina to headline Coachella, emphasized that she wants to wait before taking a public stance on the issue. She believes her platform as a global music icon could have a greater impact than simply chanting “ICE Out.” “I have a huge stage, and that’s why I want to wait,” she said. “If someone was ever to do something to me, I want to stand firmly on my stage for my community.” She added that she is careful to ensure her voice is heard through opportunities that allow her to represent her community effectively. Karol G also questioned the real impact of slogans like “ICE Out” versus actions that could directly benefit her community. “What impact does it really have to say ‘ICE Out’ versus something else that can have a real impact on my community?” she asked. In the interview with Emmy-winning writer Paola Ramos, she admitted that her team would strongly oppose her speaking out on the issue. “But I’m willing to say it,” she said. “If I’m being honest with you, it’s something that crosses the line of what I have to do to protect myself.#ice #coachella #karol_g #playboy #philip_picardi
ICE agents have been deployed to airports. Are the polls next? Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been sent to major airports across the United States, sparking debates about the potential use of federal law enforcement at polling places during the 2026 midterm elections. The move has drawn sharp reactions from political figures and election officials, with some warning of the risks it poses to voting rights and others dismissing the concerns as alarmist. The deployment of ICE agents to airports, including George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, has been framed by some as a test run for a broader strategy to involve federal officers in election infrastructure. Steve Bannon, a former Trump advisor, has suggested that the airport operation could serve as a model for positioning ICE agents at polling sites, arguing that the agency’s presence could help “perfect” its role in the midterms. Bannon’s remarks have reignited fears among Democrats and election officials that the Trump administration might attempt to use ICE as a tool to suppress voter turnout, particularly in communities of color. Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat, has linked the airport deployment to what he describes as a larger effort by the Trump administration to consolidate power through federal law enforcement. He warned that the use of ICE in airports and neighborhoods could signal a broader plan to “adjust democratic elections” if the administration faces challenges in retaining power. Moore emphasized that such actions would violate federal law, which prohibits the deployment of armed federal agents to polling places unless there is an imminent threat.#ice #wes_moore #george_bush_intercontinental_airport #steve_bannon #brennan_center_for_justice
Trump praises ICE airport work amid DHS funding lapse President Trump on Wednesday praised U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers for their work at airports this week as lengthy security wait times stack up amid the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding lapse. “I am so proud of our ICE Patriots! They were unfairly maligned by the Lunatic Democrats for years, and now, at the Airports, in addition to what they are supposed to be doing, they are helping people with bags, even picking up and cleaning areas,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “They are so proud to be there! The fact is, they shouldn’t have to do this, but they are rehabbing a fake image given to them by Radical Left Democrat politicians.” ICE officers began assisting Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffers who are working without pay due to the partial government shutdown affecting DHS. Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told the House Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday that ICE officers are helping with “queue management,” exit lane staffing, and giving passengers instructions on how to load up bins, among other tasks. “It takes a while to really get folks embedded into our operations and it’s gone extremely well, and our feedback from the passengers and our field leadership has been very positive,” she said in response to questioning from Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.). The DHS shutdown, which began on Feb. 14, stemmed from Democrats demanding reforms to immigration enforcement procedures after federal officers fatally shot U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis earlier this year. Those incidents sparked protests against the presence of ICE and Border Patrol personnel in cities around the country.#trump #ice #dhs #ha_nguyen_mcneil #tssa
Trump told ICE agents to remove their masks in airports and exposed a GOP lie Trump’s recent social media post suggested that ICE agents do not need to wear masks in airports, challenging the idea that facial coverings are essential for their work. The statement implied that the requirement for masks was a political tactic rather than a practical necessity, aligning with criticisms from Democrats who have long argued that the practice of masking ICE officers is a way to obscure their identities and avoid accountability. The post came amid ongoing debates over the role of ICE in airport security. A TSA officer previously criticized ICE agents for lacking the training to perform aviation security tasks, noting that TSA officers undergo months of specialized instruction to detect threats. This raised questions about the necessity of ICE agents in airports and the rationale for their use of masks. Rep. James Walkinshaw, D-Va., echoed these concerns, stating that if ICE agents do not need masks in airports, there is no justification for their use elsewhere. He emphasized that the public’s fear of masked officers stems from the association of masks with criminality, a perception that undermines trust in law enforcement. The discussion also highlighted the broader implications of masking for ICE officers. Critics argue that hiding their faces prevents the public from holding them accountable, while supporters claim it protects officers from retaliation. Trump’s comments appeared to acknowledge the public’s unease with masked agents but suggested that the practice should be limited to specific contexts, such as interactions with immigrant communities. Senator Scott Wiener added that the use of masks by law enforcement has historical roots in authoritarian policing, contrasting it with the U.S. tradition of transparency.#trump #ice #tsa #james_walkinshaw #scott_wiener
ICE Detains Former Syracuse University Player; Student Visa Risks Emerge Federal immigration agents detained John Bol Ajak, a former Syracuse University basketball player, after concerns arose about his expired student visa status. The individual was transferred to Moshannon Valley Processing Center, where he will face potential custody or removal proceedings. The case highlights the swift transition of visa status issues from administrative concerns to immigration enforcement actions, particularly when noncitizens are no longer enrolled in academic programs or lack valid documentation. When a noncitizen loses legal status, immigration authorities may issue a Notice to Appear, detain the individual, or release them on bond. Immigration judges then determine custody or removal based on factors such as recent enrollment, work history, and eligibility for relief. The detention of Bol Ajak underscores how quickly visa lapses can escalate, especially for students who are no longer affiliated with their institutions. For F-1 visa holders, maintaining legal status typically requires full-time study, valid I-20 forms, and timely updates in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) by designated school officials (DSOs). Disruptions in enrollment, unauthorized employment, or missed updates can lead to loss of status. Universities must ensure accurate records and prompt communication with students to mitigate risks. The Bol Ajak case illustrates the importance of rigorous DSO processes and proactive student advising to prevent enforcement actions. Universities are advised to implement documented check-ins with DSOs, verify travel plans, and review documentation swiftly when team roles change or scholarships end.#john_bol_ajak #syracuse_university #ice #moshannon_valley_processing_center #sevis
Former SU Men’s Basketball Player Detained by ICE John Bol Ajak, a former Syracuse University men’s basketball player, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to reports from syracuse.com. Ajak, who previously played for the Orange from 2019 to 2023, was first taken to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia before being transferred to ICE’s Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Pennsylvania. Ajak faced multiple charges related to trespassing at the Newhouse School of Public Communications. Syracuse.com reported that he was charged with trespassing on January 31 and February 18, while the Daily Orange noted a similar incident involving a former student who was removed after violating a no-trespass order on January 30 and February 17. Syracuse University communications did not confirm whether Ajak was the individual involved in these incidents. Ajak has been arrested four times on campus since December 2022. The incidents include: February 18: Charged with two counts of third-degree criminal trespass, arrested at the Newhouse School. January 31: Charged with third-degree criminal trespass, arrested at the Newhouse School. January 30: Charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, arrested at the Newhouse School. December 17: Charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, arrested by police near the JMA Wireless Dome. Following his arrest on February 18, Ajak was released on pretrial supervision but failed to appear for a scheduled court date on February 23, leading to his arrest and referral to ICE. Ajak earned his undergraduate degree from the College of Visual and Performing Arts in December 2022.#john_bol_ajak #syracuse_university #ice #newhouse_school_of_publiccommunications #jma_wireless_dome
Former Syracuse Basketball Player Detained by Federal Immigration Agents Syracuse, N.Y. — A former Syracuse University basketball player who fled civil war in South Sudan has been arrested and detained by federal immigration agents. John Bol Ajak, 26, was held at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Pennsylvania, according to ICE records. The incident marks another troubling chapter for the 6-foot-10 backup center, whose journey from conflict to college basketball had become a source of hope before recent legal complications. Ajak, who was still residing in Syracuse, was arrested by local police at least four times on campus for offenses such as trespassing and disorderly conduct. One incident occurred near the JMA Dome, and he reportedly had no stable address. The circumstances of his recent federal detention remain unclear, though his student visa had expired, according to university sources. He was no longer enrolled as a student but had been attempting to re-enter graduate courses. Ajak’s legal troubles escalated in early 2026. He was arrested twice in January for disorderly conduct and criminal trespass at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication, where he had previously studied. Recent records show he had been homeless and couch-surfing, a detail confirmed by a friend. His last arrest occurred on Feb. 18, after which he was released on pretrial conditions. However, he missed a scheduled court appearance, leading to a bench warrant for the trespass charge. Born in Natinga, South Sudan, Ajak’s family fled the country when he was 19 months old, seeking refuge in a Kenyan camp. There, he endured poverty and hunger, often writing in the sand during classes.#john_bol_ajak #syracuse_university #ice #moshannon_valley_processing_center #jma_dome
Feds eye another stretch of Oregon coast for ICE detention center The federal government is considering another location along Oregon’s coastline for a potential immigrant detention center, with local political figures playing a role in the discussions. However, the proposal has faced significant public opposition, leading to its temporary halt. Coos County Commission Chairman Drew Farmer became involved after learning that a contractor, KVG, might be evaluating his county for the site. Farmer aimed to redirect attention away from the U.S. Coast Guard station at North Bend’s airport, which has been a focal point of controversy. Farmer reached out to KVG representatives, who confirmed their interest in establishing a facility that could house 100 to 200 detainees, supported by 115 to 130 staff members. The proposed site would likely be a tent-style camp, similar to those used during the Trump administration’s immigration policies. However, the plan sparked widespread backlash. A local resident, who requested anonymity, described the reaction as intense, noting that the community’s opposition “started a whole beehive.” Farmer later admitted he had underestimated the public’s resistance, calling his involvement a mistake. County resident Hoyle expressed strong opposition to any ICE facility along the Oregon coast, citing concerns about the tourism industry, housing supply, and environmental risks. While she acknowledged Farmer’s desire to bolster the coastal economy, she argued that an ICE center would harm the region’s interests. Despite this, the proposal remains under consideration, with Coos County officials exploring options to secure federal funding for its budget deficit.#ice #feds #coos_county #kvg #drew_farmer
