A couple from Colombia preparing for their wedding experienced a distressing situation during a routine check-in with U.S. immigration authorities. During the appointment on February 5 at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, one partner, Felipe, was unexpectedly detained and subsequently deported, while the other, Jhojan, received a new appointment date but chose to skip it out of fear. Jhojan requested anonymity for their last names due to concerns about potential retaliation.
The couple’s ordeal highlights growing fears within the immigrant community regarding ICE check-ins, which, once routine, are now viewed as potential situations for detention amidst the Trump administration’s intensified deportation efforts. The number of individuals in ICE custody has hit its highest since late 2019. Check-ins serve as a method for ICE to monitor those seeking asylum or undergoing immigration proceedings while navigating the overwhelmed court system. However, recent detentions during these appointments have raised alarm, with immigration lawyers and advocates concerned that fear of detainment may deter individuals from attending, increasing their deportation risks.
ICE and its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security, have remained largely silent, not addressing how common such detentions are during check-ins. Without official details, it has become challenging to discern facts from speculative assumptions, particularly as the administration prioritizes deporting any individual residing illegally in the U.S. In stark contrast to previous policies under President Obama, which focused more narrowly on individuals deemed threats to public safety or national security, the current government approach entails broader deportation objectives. Reports confirm that since President Trump assumed office, ICE has apprehended over 32,000 people, with 47,600 individuals currently in custody, surpassing the number detained by Customs and Border Protection.
When ICE summons individuals for appointments, the reasons vary from issuing court dates to reviewing developments in individual cases. If an immigrant breaks the law or a judge rejects their plea to remain in the U.S., ICE can detain them. A recent case in Louisiana highlighted concerns when ICE detained an individual they previously invited under the pretense of eligibility for a less supervised program.
A former ICE acting director, John Torres, emphasized the difficulty of assessing each situation without detailed information. However, he noted that detentions often occur due to changes in status or newfound background information. One such case involved an Ecuadorian asylum-seeker in Philadelphia, whom ICE detained at his first check-in despite having no criminal history or police contact in the U.S. This raises further concerns about the criteria for detentions.
Immigration lawyers face challenges advising clients, as skipping meetings can result in deportation orders. Advocates recommend that individuals prepare for their check-ins while remaining alert to any significant changes, such as a shift from virtual to in-person meetings. They also encourage immigrants to arrange emergency child care and share case details with trusted individuals, including their unique ICE tracking numbers. Immigrant rights groups urge having an attorney present and suggest a support group accompany people to their appointments, reminiscent of community protection strategies during the first Trump administration.
The atmosphere of fear surrounding ICE check-ins undermines immigrant trust and safety, impacting their willingness to engage with the authorities. This climate of distrust poses additional challenges for individuals navigating an already complex immigration system.
