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Igor B.: Russian art teacher detained at routine ICE check-in, held six weeks

Igor Babkin, a Russian art teacher who fled political persecution, was detained at a routine check-in despite legal status and held six weeks in Pearsall, Texas. A judge ordered him freed in March 2026.

Mar 20, 2026Pearsall, TXCountry of origin: Russia

Igor B.: Russian art teacher detained at routine ICE check-in, held six weeks
Photo via San Antonio Express-News

Igor Babkin, a Russian art teacher who fled political persecution, entered the U.S. legally under humanitarian parole in 2024 and was released under supervision. On February 3, 2026, ICE detained him during a routine annual check-in appointment despite his legal status and prior release. Held at the South Texas ICE Processing Center in Pearsall for approximately six weeks, Babkin's attorney challenged the detention as violating due process rights. On March 17, 2026, U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia ordered Babkin's release, finding that ICE had violated his due process rights by reversing its earlier discretionary decision to release him without providing individualized assessment or evidence of changed circumstances. Babkin was released on March 20, 2026.

Timeline

Mar 20, 2026—Babkin released from ICE custody after approximately six weeks of detention
Mar 17, 2026—U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia ordered Babkin's release, ruling ICE violated due process by reversing prior discretionary release decision without individualized assessment
Feb 3, 2026—ICE detained Babkin during routine annual check-in appointment at Pearsall ICE Processing Center despite legal entry status and prior release under supervision
2024—Babkin entered the U.S. legally under humanitarian parole after fleeing Russia and being detained by Mexican security forces
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