A couple from Colombia, who was in the middle of planning their wedding, faced an unexpected disruption when one of them was detained and deported during a routine check-in with U.S. immigration authorities. Jhojan, one half of the couple, saw his partner Felipe taken into custody during a meeting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on February 5th. Following this event, Jhojan was so apprehensive that he decided to miss his own subsequent appointment a month later. For privacy and safety reasons, Jhojan has requested that their last names not be disclosed, fearing backlash.
Jhojan’s experience sheds light on a growing apprehension among immigrants who are now increasingly worried that what were once standard check-ins might become traps for detention. This fear has been exacerbated as President Trump’s administration continues its pursuit of widespread deportations, causing the number of detainees in ICE’s custody to rise to levels not seen since November 2019.
The purpose of these check-ins is for ICE to monitor individuals released while they await the resolution of their asylum or immigration cases through a heavily burdened court system. However, transparency about these detained during check-ins is scarce, causing unease among individuals and lawyers who warn that fear could drive people to miss their appointments, thus putting them at heightened risk of deportation.
“It feels like a no-win scenario,” commented Jhojan about the dilemma immigrants face, highlighting the fear of deportation regardless of attendance at these meetings. Meanwhile, ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have remained silent on the specifics and frequency of such detentions at appointments.
In the absence of clear government communication, separating fact from fiction has become challenging within immigrant communities, especially under the lack of detailed information. Moreover, under President Trump’s leadership, the deportation focus has significantly shifted from targeting individuals considered risks to public safety under the previous administration.
Since Trump assumed office, ICE has apprehended over 32,809 individuals, a figure disclosed during a media call by a senior ICE official who preferred anonymity. With over 47,600 in detention, this marks the first instance in four years where ICE arrests within U.S. borders outpaced those by Customs and Border Protection — a clear indication of the shift in immigration enforcement strategy.
ICE’s procedural structure includes summoning individuals for various purposes, such as issuing court dates. Should an individual violate laws or face denied appeals during this time, they face the risk of detention. Recent incidents reveal ICE’s strategy of detaining immigrants under the guise of invitations for eligibility in less scrutinized programs.
There have also been cases where individuals previously deemed unlikely to flee and possible asylum beneficiaries have found themselves unexpectedly detained. John Torres, a former ICE acting director, noted that without specific case details, it’s hard to ascertain the grounds for arrests but acknowledged that status changes or new background revelations could be factors.
Specific accounts include that of an Ecuadorian asylum-seeker in their twenties, detained during their very first check-in. Their family, contacted with surprise and panic, was informed only that the detention was based on new executive orders. This individual’s case reflects the broader uncertainty and fear within immigrant communities.
Immigration attorneys cannot legally advise clients to avoid these check-ins, as non-attendance leads to immediate deportation procedures. Instead, they promote careful preparation for the appointments. This encouragement includes advising clients to be attuned to changes, such as shifts from virtual to in-person meetings, and to arrange for childcare and emergency contacts beforehand.
Attorneys also stress the importance of immigrants sharing key details and identification numbers with family or friends and recommend bringing legal representation to appointments. Additionally, immigrant rights groups suggest having supporters accompany individuals to their check-ins.
“Without a sense of security, complying with the process becomes daunting,” stated Heidi Altman of the National Immigration Law Center, underlining the trust challenges immigrants face.
