Suit says ICE kept immigrants' work permits and phones months after detention
Seven people held in ICE custody sued after the agency failed to return seized property, including ID documents, phones and car keys, more than four months after their release, costing them work and safety.
Oct 13, 2026

Seven plaintiffs who were detained in ICE custody for civil immigration purposes filed suit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security after the agency failed to return their seized property, including Employment Authorization Documents, cell phones, and car keys, more than four months after their release. The lawsuit, brought on behalf of the named plaintiffs and a class of similarly situated individuals, alleges the losses cost them work opportunities and left them afraid to go out in public without identification for fear of being detained again. The case argues ICE has adopted a de facto policy of failing to return property once its legitimate governmental interest in the items has expired, violating the Fourth Amendment and the Administrative Procedure Act.
Tags
Sources
- Gonzalez v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Challenging ICE’s de facto policy of failing to return property seized from people in civil immigration detention
ACLU of DC·Oct 13, 2026·archived copy
- ACLU sues ICE over refusal to return personal items to detainees after release
Courthouse News·Oct 13, 2026
- People Released From Immigration Detention Sue ICE for Refusing to Return Their Property
ACLU of DC·Oct 13, 2026
- ACLU of Illinois
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