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Asylum-seeking father in Maine takes wife's place in ICE custody

An Angolan asylum seeker in Maine traded places in ICE custody with his wife so their 10-year-old son would not be left without a parent, after agents first detained her.

Oct 8, 2026MECountry of origin: Angola

Asylum-seeking father in Maine takes wife's place in ICE custody
Photo via Bangor Daily News

An Angolan asylum seeker living in Maine was taken into ICE custody after negotiating a swap with immigration agents who had first detained his wife. The couple arranged the exchange so their 10-year-old son would not be left without a parent at home. Court records describe the arrangement as part of a broader pattern of federal agents tracking down immigrants with legal status at homes and workplaces in Maine, with lawyers noting Maine has stood out among New England states for this type of enforcement activity.

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