Nigerian man held in ICE detention for two years while habeas petition languishes in court
Jun 18, 2026·Location: Oberlin, LA
Country of origin: Nigeria
DetainmentDetention ConditionsUse of ForceFamilyHabeas PetitionBlackInjury/IllnessIn DetentionSolitary ConfinementDetention TransferLouisiana

Orolua Eluonyechie, a Nigerian national, has been held in immigration detention for over two years, initially detained in Atlanta in April 2024 and later transferred to Allen Parish in southwest Louisiana. While detained, he has been injured by guards and placed in solitary confinement. He filed a federal habeas petition seeking release or deportation but remains waiting for judicial action as federal courts in Louisiana become overwhelmed with habeas petitions from detainees held in prolonged detention.
Sources
More incidents in Louisiana
- 20 immigrants detained in Louisiana wildlife, Border Patrol joint operationSep 26, 2026 · LA
- Costa Rican man with U visa detained by ICE for three months, loses 15 kg in Louisiana facilitySep 25, 2026 · LA
- Diabetic Costa Rican father dies in ICE custody after complaints of missed insulin, poor careSep 23, 2026 · LA
- Rohingya asylum seeker detained by ICE at New Orleans airport, held seven weeksSep 9, 2026 · New Orleans, LA
- Haitians deported weekly to Cap-Haïtien face danger amid inadequate reception, HRW findsSep 4, 2026 · Alexandria, LA
- Iranian activist deported to Central African Republic despite court protection from removal to IranSep 1, 2026 · LA