Indian National Seeking Self-Deportation Sent to Alaska by ICE, Re-detained Upon Return
May 2025·Location: Seattle, WA
Country of origin: India

After months in ICE detention in Tacoma, Rakesh Rakesh volunteered to self-deport to India but was mistakenly placed on a flight to Sitka, Alaska instead of New York. Alaska Airlines staff assisted him with meals, lodging, and rebooking at no charge. Upon his return to Seattle, ICE re-detained him at the Northwest ICE Processing Center for an additional 16 days before completing his deportation, prompting him to conduct a hunger strike to protest the situation.
Sources
- ICE Mistakenly Sends Indian National to Alaska in 2026
visaverge.com·Apr 24, 2026·archived copy
- ICE error at WA airport puts India-bound man on wrong flight to Alaska
- ICE sends Indian national who sought self-deportation to Alaska instead
KUOW·Apr 27, 2026·archived copy
- ICE error at Sea-Tac sends India-bound man to Sitka
juneauindependent.com·Apr 26, 2026·archived copy
- ICE agents reportedly put man on wrong plane at Seattle airport
kiro7.com·Apr 24, 2026·archived copy
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