In a startling incident highlighting the growing concerns around U.S. immigration policies, a couple from Colombia faced a troubling outcome during a routine check-in with immigration authorities. While one partner received a follow-up appointment, the other was detained and subsequently deported.
Jhojan, one half of the couple, remains bewildered about why Felipe was detained during their February 5 appointment with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Felipe’s deportation left Jhojan anxious and fearful, prompting him to skip his subsequent check-in a month later. He expressed concerns for their safety and requested anonymity fearing retaliation.
This incident exemplifies the mounting anxiety surrounding routine immigration check-ins, which many now view as potential traps for detention. Under the current administration, deportation efforts have intensified, with the number of individuals in ICE custody reaching its highest level since November 2019.
Immigration check-ins are primarily used by ICE to monitor individuals released to pursue asylum or other immigration cases amid a backlog in the judicial system. However, the government has not disclosed how many individuals have been detained during these appointments, raising alarms among advocates and attorneys who worry that fear may cause immigrants to forgo these crucial appointments, thereby increasing their risk of deportation.
“If you show up, they’ll deport you. If you don’t, they’ll deport you, too,” Jhojan stated, summarizing the distress many face in similar situations.
ICE, along with the Department of Homeland Security, has yet to provide any official comments regarding the detention of immigrants at these check-ins. As the federal government remains tight-lipped, speculation and anxiety flourish within immigrant communities. Under the current administration, the emphasis on deporting individuals residing in the U.S. illegally marks a stark departure from previous policies that focused primarily on those considered threats to public safety.
Recent figures show that ICE has arrested over 32,000 individuals since the onset of this administration. Approximately 47,000 are currently in ICE detention, highlighting that for the first time in years, more arrests are being made within the U.S. than along its borders.
ICE holds check-in appointments for various reasons, including setting court dates. Should any individual violate the law or if a judge denies their asylum appeal during this time, ICE reserves the right to detain and deport them.
In a separate case, ICE had detained an immigrant in Louisiana after he was summoned under the pretext of discussing eligibility for a less supervised program, raising further concerns about the agency’s practices.
John Torres, a former acting director at ICE, commented on the unpredictability of individual cases, suggesting that such detentions generally occur due to changes in status or new information about an individual’s background.
Advocates stress the importance of preparation for ICE appointments, encouraging immigrants to remain vigilant about any shifts in how their check-ins are conducted, such as unexpected in-person meetings that were previously virtual. To mitigate risks, they recommend making emergency arrangements for childcare, sharing case details with trusted friends or family, and bringing legal representation to appointments.
Community support during these check-ins is also being advocated. Groups are encouraging individuals to be accompanied by supporters to create a safety net during these potentially precarious appointments, as the fear of reporting can severely undermine trust within immigrant communities.
“When people feel unsafe going to report, it’s setting everything up for failure,” said a representative from the National Immigration Law Center, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment for immigrants navigating this complex system.
