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 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.
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Sources
- How an Asylum Seeker in U.S. Custody Ended Up in a Russian Prison
The New Yorker·Aug 15, 2025·archived copy
- Judge forces release of Russian asylum seeker from ICE detention
San Antonio Express-News·Mar 30, 2026·archived copy
- Asylum seeker in Texas entered U.S. legally. ICE arrested him anyway.
San Antonio Express-News·Mar 9, 2026·archived copy
- Russians Claiming U.S. Asylum Face Prolonged Detention and Uncertainty
The Moscow Times·Jan 30, 2025·archived copy
The Moscow Times·Jan 30, 2025·archived copy
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