Eritrean mother of three detained while her green card application was pending
An Eritrean single mother of three with a pending green card application was detained during a five-hour interview, then released days later after her green card was approved.
Jan 9, 2026MinnesotaCountry of origin: Eritrea

An Eritrean single mother of three with a pending green card application was detained during Operation PARRIS operations beginning January 9, 2026. During a five-hour interview with USCIS officers, she was questioned about her application materials and reasons for fleeing her country. Her attorney reported that the USCIS officer conducting the interview stated he had no knowledge of why she was detained or authority regarding her detention. She was released a few days after arrest and returned to Minnesota, and her green card application was approved while she was in detention.
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Sources
- Refugees relive the trauma they fled as ICE targets them in Minnesota
NPR·Feb 2, 2026·archived copy
- New federal operation targets Minnesota refugees with legal status
Sahan Journal·Jan 21, 2026·archived copy
- Minnesota refugees with legal status are being detained in sweeping operation
Star Tribune·Jan 21, 2026·archived copy
- 5,600 Green Card applicants in Minnesota targeted through Operation PARRIS
The Morning Sun·Jan 20, 2026·archived copy
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