Man released after nearly 11 months in ICE detention describes lingering trauma
Mar 11, 2026·Location: Washington, DC
Country of origin: Nigeria
Will Castillo was released from the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma after a federal judge ruled his nearly 11-month detention unlawful. Castillo, who has no criminal history and was detained during a routine DHS appointment while seeking asylum, has been readjusting to life outside detention and experiencing lingering psychological effects from his time in custody. An immigration judge granted him Convention Against Torture protection, which prevents his deportation to Venezuela but does not provide immigration status.
Timeline
Mar 11, 2026—Federal judge rebuked Department of Homeland Security for detaining immigrants without bond hearings and found substantial noncompliance with December arrest restrictions
Mar 9, 2026—Will Castillo and Gámez-Cuéllar family released from ICE custody following judicial rulings that their detention was unlawful
Dec 2025—Federal judge issued order restricting warrantless civil arrests in Washington, DC
2023—Gámez-Cuéllar family initiated asylum proceedings after legal entry
Sources
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