Released after public pressure
Released after public pressure
These documented stories describe people—including U.S. citizens, students, workers, and asylum seekers—detained by ICE or CBP at airports, traffic stops, and workplaces in states including Massachusetts, Florida, Connecticut, Washington, and Vermont. Many were held for days, weeks, or months, sometimes reporting medical neglect, before being released following court orders, bond payments, or public advocacy campaigns. First documented in February 2025, this pattern became recurring by July 2025, peaked in February 2026, and now represents a growing share of recent reported cases compared to earlier periods.
First documented Feb 2025, recurring since Jul 2025. Growing as a share of recent stories.
Share of each month's well-documented stories, Jan 2025 to Oct 2026. Volume is not shown: coverage grew over the record, shares did not have to.
109 stories in 29 states. What accompanies this practice →
“I am in complete shock over what happened … I need a little bit of time to process everything I will come back soon. But please don’t worry,”
Alaska
- Jefferson H.: Filipino father and longtime Alaska resident detained by ICEJefferson Hisola, a Filipino father and longtime Alaska resident, was released from ICE detention after a court ruling and a public campaign by community advocates on his behalf.Alaska, AK · Jun 12, 2026 · Abante, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Valeria M.S.: Pregnant woman detained by ICE in Anchorage against agency's own guidelinesValeria Mendoza Santiago, a pregnant 25-year-old from Oaxaca, was arrested at an Anchorage bus stop and later freed under rules against detaining pregnant women. She lives with her husband and young son as her case proceeds.Anchorage, AK · Apr 2026 · Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Public Media, Transparency Cascade +2
Arizona
Karla T.: DACA recipient arrested by ICE at Tucson home without warrantKarla Toledo, 31, a DACA recipient and community organizer with no criminal record, was detained at her Tucson home without a warrant and later freed on $1,500 bond after community pressure.Tucson, AZ · May 25, 2026 · Tucson.com, The Arizona Republic, KTAR +16
Guatemalan mother in Border Patrol custody told to take or leave newbornA Guatemalan woman gave birth at a Tucson hospital while in Border Patrol custody and faced immediate deportation, forced to decide whether to take her newborn. After public pressure, she and the baby were released to a Phoenix nonprofit.Tucson, AZ · May 2025 · ACLU, KOLD, Tucson.com +4
California
Kilmar A.G.: Salvadoran father wrongly deported to CECOT prison despite court orderKilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran father whose son has autism, was wrongly deported to a Salvadoran prison and later returned to the U.S.; he now fights a new push to send him to Liberia instead of Costa Rica.Sacramento, CA · Oct 6, 2026 · Al Jazeera, Associated Press, The Record +28
Cornelius H.: Lawfully admitted 20-year-old coerced by ICE into signing deportation papersCornelius Kaihau Holani, 20, cares for his grandmother and teaches Tongan dance in Seattle. Detained at an airport and pressured to sign an unexplained document, he was ordered released.Oakland, CA · Jul 31, 2026 · Newsweek, CourtListener, Newsroom- Freddy G.G.: Asylum seeker married to U.S. citizen arrested by ICE at check-inA Salvadoran man, married to a U.S. citizen and the main earner for his household, was re-detained at a routine check-in despite following all his parole conditions. A court ordered his release within 24 hours.Los Angeles, CA · Jul 20, 2026 · CourtListener
- Jesus Q.F.: Father of four U.S. citizens detained by ICE at work permit appointmentA construction business owner and father of four, in the country since 2000, was detained again at a routine biometrics appointment. A judge ordered his release within 24 hours.Riverside, CA · Jul 6, 2026 · CourtListener
- Otis F.: LGBTQ Jamaican asylum seeker protected from deportation arrested by ICE at homeOtis Nicholas Ffriend, a Jamaican LGBTQ asylum seeker living with his U.S. citizen wife, was arrested at his California home despite prior torture-related protection. A judge ordered his release, and the government is now appealing.Willits, CA · May 14, 2026 · CourtListener, Kym Kemp, U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
Manuela H.: Colombian asylum seeker held five months by ICE over broken monitorManuela Hernandez, a Colombian asylum seeker, was held five months after her ankle monitor broke in a household accident, suffering fainting spells and an infection. She was released in May and reunited with her family.California City, CA · May 4, 2026 · Bakersfield Now, J. Gold Law
Isaac V.M.: Pasadena day laborer detained again by ICE at check-inIsaac Antonio Villegas Molina, a Pasadena day laborer from Panama, was redetained during a routine check-in months after his first arrest sparked a lawsuit. A judge ordered his immediate release, calling the redetention retaliatory.Pasadena, CA · Apr 24, 2026 · Pasadena Star News, Pasadena Now, ABC7 +7
Gilberto G.C.: Autistic DACA recipient put in chokehold by ICE at Florida homeGilberto García, a 26-year-old autistic DACA recipient, was placed in a chokehold and jailed at his Florida home while his renewal was pending; he was released two days later.“Me dio miedo que pues ya no iba a ver a mi madre. Fue muy doloroso para mí.” — Gilberto GarcíaLos Angeles, CA · Apr 19, 2026 · Univision, CBS12, Gulf Coast News Now +2
Sam B.: Fresno restaurant manager held 9 months by ICE, away from 3-year-old sonA Fresno restaurant manager and father, in the U.S. since toddlerhood, was freed on bond after nine months detained over a decades-old conviction Gov. Newsom later pardoned. He reunited with his wife and young son.“This has been one of the hardest experiences my family has ever faced.” — Sam BehpoorCalifornia City, CA · Mar 6, 2026 · Your Central Valley, ABC 30, The Fresno Bee +3
Anna W.: Woman who filmed HSI agent has Global Entry revoked days laterAnna Walker, 31, had her Global Entry status revoked days after filming a Homeland Security agent who confronted her in a Target parking lot; it was restored after press inquiries.San Diego, CA · Feb 25, 2026 · HuffPost, Small Business Minder, AOL +2
Jung Hoo L.: Giants outfielder detained at LAX, released within an hourJung Hoo Lee, a Giants outfielder arriving from South Korea for FanFest, was held about an hour at LAX before being released over a paperwork issue.Los Angeles, CA · Jan 21, 2026 · San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Standard, CBS News
Viktoriia B.: Ukrainian wife of man with cancer detained five days by ICEViktoriia Bulavina, a Ukrainian woman married to a U.S. citizen with cancer, was handcuffed after her green card interview and held five days. She was released after media attention but now faces removal.San Diego, CA · Dec 11, 2025 · NBC News, San Diego Union-Tribune, KPBS +8
Amanda T.: U.S. citizen ICU nurse pinned down and arrested while documenting immigration enforcementAmanda Trebach, an ICU nurse treating low-income communities in Los Angeles, was pinned to the pavement and detained while filming immigration enforcement, then released a day later without charges.San Pedro, CA · Aug 9, 2025 · FOX 11 Los Angeles, KTLA, National Nurses United +5
6-year-old with leukemia held about a month in ICE detentionA 6-year-old Honduran boy with leukemia was arrested with his mother and sister outside a Los Angeles courtroom and held a month in Texas, missing a medical appointment. He showed trauma symptoms after returning home.Los Angeles, CA · Jul 4, 2025 · LAist, KTLA, Patch +6
Federal agents throw flash bangs at people filming Maywood car wash raidProtesters recording a Maywood car wash immigration operation were hit with a flash bang grenade after a minor crash led agents to briefly detain a driver, who was later released.Maywood, CA · Jun 20, 2025 · Los Angeles Times, NBC Los Angeles
Jasmine M.: Canadian actress held 12 days in freezing ICE cellsJasmine Mooney, a Canadian actress and beverage entrepreneur, was detained by U.S. border officials while applying for a work visa and held for 12 days in freezing cells before being transferred across three facilities.San Ysidro, CA · Apr 2, 2025 · NPR, New York Times, CBC
Yolanda P.M.: El Monte mother caring for daughter with cancer detained in ICE sweepYolanda Perez-Magallón, 50, who cares for her daughter with cancer, was detained nearly two weeks during a sweep targeting her son before release on $1,500 bond; she is due in court April 10.El Monte, CA · Mar 12, 2025 · Peninsula 360 Press, Univision, Our Humanity California
Connecticut
Deng D.K.D.: SCSU basketball player arrested by ICE at airport checkpoint, held 12 daysDeng Dhieu Kuach Deng, 19, a freshman basketball player from South Sudan, was handcuffed at a Connecticut airport TSA checkpoint while heading to visit his girlfriend, and held 12 days before release.“The idea that people are being detained and arrested at the Tweed Airport should be repulsive to anybody who lives in our community. We don’t want ICE here. We want them gone. It’s instilling fear across communities irrespective of immigration status,” — Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law CenterNew Haven, CT · Sep 28, 2026 · New Haven Independent, CT Mirror, Patch +3
Seyo C.: West Hartford restaurant owner with work authorization detained by ICESeyo Cecunjanin, a West Hartford restaurant and laundry owner employing 15 people, was detained for about 12 days after being arrested in front of two of his sons, then released following pressure from Connecticut lawmakers.West Hartford, CT · Jul 3, 2026 · CT Mirror, CT News Junkie, Spot On Connecticut +8
Zia S.: Afghan interpreter for U.S. military held three months by ICEZia S., a former U.S. military interpreter from Afghanistan and father of five, was detained during a routine Green Card appointment despite legal status. He was freed on bond after nearly three months and reunited with his family in Connecticut.East Hartford, CT · Oct 21, 2025 · CT Insider, New Haven Register, Military.com +2
Florida
Juan Carlos L.G.: U.S. citizen held 30 hours in Florida jail despite IDJuan Carlos Lopez-Gomez, 20, a U.S. citizen who grew up speaking Tzotzil in Mexico, was jailed over 30 hours despite showing his birth certificate and Social Security card.Leon County, FL · Oct 8, 2026 · Truthout, CNN, Newsweek +17- Apolinario P.L.: Guatemalan man held months by ICE without bond hearingA Guatemalan man was detained after a traffic stop and held for months with no hearing. A judge ordered his release, ruling the lack of any hearing violated due process.Florida · Sep 28, 2026 · CourtListener
Luis Manuel C.G.: Exiled Nicaraguan journalist detained by ICE while driving for UberLuis Manuel Chavarría-Galeano, an exiled Nicaraguan journalist driving for Uber near Orlando, was detained in September 2026 and released on bond after press freedom groups and lawmakers pushed for his release.Miami, FL · Sep 26, 2026 · The Guardian, Divergentes, Latam Journalism Review +4
Claudia R.: Venezuelan TPS holder detained by ICE, lost 15 pounds in overcrowded cellClaudia Rodríguez, 29, a Venezuelan immigrant with a business master's degree, was detained trying to board a flight and held in an overcrowded cell before a congresswoman helped secure her release.Pompano Beach, FL · Aug 3, 2026 · Telemundo, NBC Miami, Miami Herald +3
Julián V.: Costa Rican TikTok star handed to ICE over expired licenseCosta Rican content creator Julián Valverde was detained after a traffic stop for an expired license led to him being turned over to ICE. A judge set bail at $250, and he has since been released, thanking family and supporters.Orlando, FL · Sep 17, 2025 · Federal Character, The Tico Times, Infobae +2
Carlos G. and Óscar Alejandro G.: Two Mexican brothers held about 20 days at Alligator Alcatraz without chargesBrothers Carlos Martín and Óscar Alejandro Gonzalez were detained after a traffic stop in Orlando and held nearly 20 days at a Florida detention facility without case numbers or a lawyer. They were released uncharged and returned to Mexico.Orlando, FL · Jul 30, 2025 · Los Angeles Times, El Universal, UnoTV +4
Georgia
Rodney T.: Double amputee barber denied proper prosthetics during 15 months in ICE detentionRodney Taylor, a 47-year-old double amputee barber from Liberia, was held 15 months at Stewart Detention Center over a decades-old, pardoned burglary conviction. He was released in May 2026 after advocacy from lawmakers and his wife.Lumpkin, GA · May 11, 2026 · The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Fox 5 Atlanta, WRDW +7
Dy: Vietnamese refugee and father of three detained twice by ICEA Vietnamese refugee, husband to Tammy and father of three with a fourth on the way, was arrested again after an Atlanta ICE check-in and remains held at Stewart Detention Center.Lumpkin, GA · Apr 1, 2026 · Diacritics, QC Nerve, Southern Poverty Law Center +1
Illinois
Omar P. and Santiago P.: Asylum-seeking Colombian DJ and husband arrested by ICE at Chicago airportColombian DJ Omar David Panqueva and his husband Santiago Páez, asylum seekers awaiting a decision, were arrested at Chicago's Midway Airport before a tour and later released on bond.“I wish we lived in a world where being Latino wasn’t a crime.” — Silvia Paez, Santiago's sisterChicago, IL · Aug 19, 2026 · CBS News, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times +2
Diana S.G.: Chicago daycare teacher forcibly removed by ICE in front of childrenA Chicago daycare teacher was pulled from a car and detained in front of children during morning drop-off. A federal judge ruled her detention illegal and ordered a bond hearing.Chicago, IL · Nov 6, 2025 · Chicago Sun-Times, CBS News, ABC7 Chicago +6
Iowa
Jorge G.O.: Colombian asylum seeker illegally held for months by ICE in IowaJorge Elieser Gonzalez Ochoa, a 27-year-old Colombian asylum seeker, was arrested at an Iowa City grocery store while wearing a court-ordered GPS monitor and held for months before being freed after community pressure.Iowa City, IA · Jan 10, 2026 · KCRG, CBS 2 Iowa, The Gazette +6
Leticia J.: Native American woman nearly deported after traffic stop in IowaLeticia Jacobo, a 24-year-old Native American woman, was jailed in Iowa over a traffic stop and faced transfer to ICE detention before indigenous rights groups intervened to stop her deportation.Iowa · Nov 26, 2025 · Des Moines Register, Univision
Kentucky
Aminata S.: Kentucky State basketball player hospitalized with seizures in ICE detentionAminata Seck, 26, a Kentucky State graduate student and basketball player from Senegal, was detained for weeks, hospitalized after seizures and surgery, then released on $2,500 bond.Louisville, KY · Oct 6, 2026 · Associated Press, NTD, USA Today +8
Ernesto M.A.: 18-year-old with legal status held three weeks by ICE in LouisianaErnesto Manuel-Andres, 18, was detained weeks after graduating a learning center for immigrant youth and held nearly three weeks before an unexpected release over a missed paperwork deadline. His Bowling Green community held vigils and celebrated his homecoming.“Any time you work in a school, every student who comes through your doors is yours, and I think… even though the last three weeks have been difficult weeks, something that’s been so full of hope is to see how the community of Bowling Green looked at Ernesto, a resident of our community, and said he’s ours.” — Kristi CostellowBowling Green, KY · Jun 25, 2025 · WNKY, Lawyers for Good Government, laSexta +2
Louisiana
Marie-Thérèse R.: 86-year-old widow with heart problems held 16 days by ICEMarie-Thérèse Ross, 86, a French widow, was detained at her Alabama home and held 16 days after her husband died amid an estate dispute with his stepsons. French diplomats intervened and secured her release and return to France.Louisiana, LA · Apr 25, 2026 · The Guardian, Latin Times, WSLS +13
Neysis M.: Nicaraguan immigrant pregnant with twins shackled to hospital bed in ICE custodyNeysis Mairena, six months pregnant with twins, was shackled to a hospital bed while held in Louisiana after experiencing contractions. She was released following a news outlet's inquiry into her case.Basile, LA · Dec 8, 2025 · Twin Cities, ACLU
Donna K.: Iranian woman detained by ICE outside her New Orleans homeMandonna Kashanian, 64, married to an American for 35 years, was grabbed by agents in tactical gear outside her Lakeview home and held for weeks before being released.New Orleans, LA · Jul 8, 2025 · The Guardian, CBS News, NBC News
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Carlos M.V.: Honduran student, police volunteer held 44 hours by CBP at Logan AirportCarlos Maldonado Valle, 21, a Honduran student and Provincetown police volunteer, was held 44 hours at Logan Airport after a diverted flight left him without travel paperwork. He was freed October 8 after a judge blocked his removal.Boston, MA · Oct 11, 2026 · Northeast News Collaborative, Cape and Islands, WGBH +4
Iara C.S.: Brazilian woman recovering from miscarriage detained by ICE, denied medical careIara do Carmo Santana, 29, a Brazilian house cleaner recovering from a miscarriage, was detained after a 911 call and denied medical care for days. A judge ordered her released.Burlington, MA · Sep 8, 2026 · Boston Globe, Boston.com, International Business Times +2
Debora K.: Zambian nurse seeking asylum detained by ICE at airportDebora Kapisha, a Zambian nurse at Maine Medical Center with a pending asylum claim, was detained by ICE on July 30 and released August 7 after a rally and legal challenge.Boston, MA · Aug 7, 2026 · The Maine Anchor, Maine Public, Maine Morning Star +8
Newton W.: Oak Bluffs chef held by ICE 10 months, suffered untreated heart attacksNewton Waite, a Jamaican-born Oak Bluffs chef and father of a U.S. citizen daughter, spent 10 months in ICE detention, suffering two untreated heart attacks before a judge ordered his release.Falmouth, MA · Jul 9, 2026 · Vineyard Gazette, News Americas Now, Documented
Rogerio S.L. and Nycolas: Brazilian father, 15-year-old son detained on fishing trip, held by ICERogerio da Silva Lima and his 15-year-old son Nycolas, fishing off Martha's Vineyard, were detained by the Coast Guard and turned over to ICE. A judge found ICE violated due process, freeing both after students at the son's school protested.Woods Hole, MA · May 28, 2026 · Martha's Vineyard Times, Patch, WGBH +7
Michigan
Minnesota
Woman denied ovarian cyst surgery during four months in ICE detentionA 24-year-old Guatemalan woman was held four months in a Texas detention center, denied surgery for a painful cyst. She now lives in Burnsville with family, pursuing asylum while wearing an ankle monitor.Minnesota · Jun 26, 2026 · Sahan Journal, Minnesota Reformer
Sebastian: 16-year-old asylum seeker lost in ICE custody for over a weekSebastian, a 16-year-old Ecuadorian asylum seeker and student athlete, was detained by ICE in Minneapolis while on a food run and misclassified as unaccompanied. His family searched over a week before locating and freeing him through legal action.Minneapolis, MN · Feb 22, 2026 · Threads, MPR News, ICE Abuse +2
Javier A.V.: Kidney transplant recipient detained by ICE, denied anti-rejection medication for weeksJavier Abreu-Vasquez, 38, a kidney transplant recipient, was arrested while delivering groceries for his church's mutual aid group and held nearly two weeks without proper anti-rejection medication. A judge ordered his release and he returned home February 19.Rochester, MN · Feb 19, 2026 · MPR News, MPR News, KTTC +3
Elizabeth Z.C. and Rosa Elena C.C.: 10-year-old girl detained by ICE, taken 1,200 miles to TexasElizabeth Zuna Caisaguano, 10, was taken with her mother on the way to her school bus and held a month in Texas before a judge blocked their deportation and freed them.Columbia Heights, MN · Feb 6, 2026 · CBS News, The Guardian, Sahan Journal +12
Mississippi
Montana
- Adrián E.C.: Billings father and 9-year-old arrested by Border Patrol without warrant in HavreA Billings father and his 9-year-old child, with no prior criminal history, were ordered released after a warrantless arrest and detention at a Havre facility lacking proper bedding for the child's medical needs.Billings, MT · Aug 11, 2026 · Daily Montanan, Standing Record, Fairfield Sun Times +2
- Jesus V.H.: Montana father of U.S. citizen children held by Border Patrol, denied medicationJesus Verde Hernandez, a Worden father of three with a 14-year partner, was held 30 hours with little food after Border Patrol mistook him for someone else. A judge ordered his release, finding the detention unconstitutional.Lewistown, MT · Jul 30, 2026 · Daily Montanan, Lewistown News, PACER Monitor
Nevada
New Jersey
Tonny Q.R.: South Orange father of child with Down's syndrome detained by ICETonny Quesada-Ramirez, who has lived in the U.S. for 26 years and cares for a child with Down's syndrome, was detained while working on his home but released days later after community fundraising and advocacy.South Orange, NJ · Aug 8, 2026 · Montclair Local, Newsweek, Village Green
Iemad S.: Syrian restaurant owner and autistic son's caregiver detained by ICE at check-inIemad Saifo, 65, a Syrian-born chef who owns a Collingswood restaurant and cares for his autistic son, was detained during what he thought was a routine check-in. After community support and a court order, he was granted bond and released.“He says not to worry - as any father would,” — Zena, his daughterNew Jersey · Jul 31, 2026 · The Retrospect, The Sun Papers, Explore New Jersey +6
Emanuel R.: Brazilian man with life-threatening condition held five months in solitaryEmanuel Rodrigues, a Brazilian man with a rare mobility-limiting condition, spent five months in solitary confinement at a New Jersey detention facility and became unable to walk after a fall. He was released June 4 following advocacy efforts.Newark, NJ · Jun 4, 2026 · NJ.com
Yeison C.V.: New Jersey pastor seeking asylum held three weeks in ICE detentionRev. Yeison Cortes Vasquez, 46, a pastor at The Gathering Place Church in Elizabeth, N.J., was detained during a food delivery job and held three weeks at Delaney Hall before release on bond with GPS monitoring.Elizabeth, NJ · Apr 13, 2026 · CBS News, Yahoo News, Newsweek +4
Jose C.S.: Man put under ICE monitoring despite court order barring any conditionsA man with no prior immigration encounters was unlawfully detained, then released with monitoring conditions despite a court order barring any. The court voided those conditions, criticizing the agency's defiance.New Jersey · Jan 27, 2026 · CourtListener, Times West Virginia
New Mexico
New York
Carlos A.: Syracuse asylum seeker held three months by ICE, repeatedly denied bondCarlos Arreaga, a Syracuse resident active in his community for eight years, was detained without a warrant while heading to work and denied bond for three months before being released to his family.Syracuse, NY · Sep 21, 2026 · The News House, Documented, CNY Central
CUNY graduate wrongly arrested by ICE walking to train in HempsteadA 24-year-old Honduran CUNY graduate was surrounded by seven vehicles and arrested walking to a train in Hempstead; ICE later admitted he was the wrong person. A judge ruled agents had grossly abused their authority.Hempstead, NY · Jun 20, 2026 · The City, The Guardian
8-year-old U.S. citizen held nearly seven months in Brooklyn shelterAn 8-year-old U.S. citizen was held in a Brooklyn shelter for nearly seven months despite his grandmother providing his birth certificate. He was released after a judge ruled him a citizen and was reunited with his grandmother.Brooklyn, NY · Jun 2026 · New York Focus, syracuse.com, News from the States
Elaina A.: Columbia student detained by DHS agents falsely claiming missing child searchElaina Aghayeva, a Columbia University neuroscience researcher, was detained for about nine hours after agents entered her dorm without a warrant. She was released after New York's mayor intervened with Trump.New York, NY · Feb 27, 2026 · WNIS, CNN, The New Yorker +7
Elmina A.: Columbia student detained by ICE agents posing as police in her dormElmina Aghayeva, a Columbia University senior from Azerbaijan, was detained after agents posing as police entered her dorm, but was freed the same afternoon following a habeas petition and the mayor's intervention.“I am in complete shock over what happened … I need a little bit of time to process everything I will come back soon. But please don’t worry,” — Ellie AghayevaNew York, NY · Feb 26, 2026 · Columbia Spectator, New York Times, CNN +8
Aissatou D.: Queens grandmother detained by ICE for two weeks at LaGuardiaAissatou Diallo, a 55-year-old grandmother and home health aide from Queens, was held by ICE for nearly two weeks while traveling to see her son, until a judge ordered her release.Queens, NY · Dec 5, 2025 · CBS News, The City Reporter, Documented
Joel C.: Bronx 16-year-old with legal status held nearly a month after ICE check-inJoel Camas, a 16-year-old Bronx student with an approved path to legal status, was detained at a routine check-in despite court protections. A federal judge ordered his release on November 17 after nearly a month in custody.Bronx, NY · Nov 17, 2025 · The City, Chalkbeat, AM New York +8
Mamadou D.: Asylum-seeking Brooklyn student held five months by ICE after court appearanceMamadou Mouctar Diallo, 20, a Guinean asylum seeker and Brooklyn Frontiers High School student, was detained after a routine court appearance and held about five months before his November release.Brooklyn, NY · Nov 2025 · News 12 Brooklyn, Brooklyn Paper, CBS News +5
Four U.S. citizens held 24 hours without charges in ICE Chinatown sweepFour U.S. citizens were held nearly 24 hours without charges at 26 Federal Plaza during an ICE sweep in Chinatown, released after their families filed missing persons reports and a congressman spoke publicly.New York, NY · Oct 21, 2025 · ABC News, ABC7 New York, The Cut +2- Sering C.: Gambian man with heart conditions suffers stroke-like syndrome after ICE denies medicationsA Gambian man with serious heart conditions was shackled and held at a New York facility, going two weeks without his heart medication before suffering a stroke-like episode. A judge ordered his release.New York, NY · Feb 19, 2025 · Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, The Intercept, Central Current
North Carolina
Oregon
7-year-old and parents detained at Portland hospital while seeking emergency careA 7-year-old Venezuelan girl and her parents were detained outside a Portland hospital while seeking care for her nosebleed, then held three weeks in Texas before release.Portland, OR · Feb 6, 2026 · The Oregonian, OPB, KATU +1
Victor C.: Hillsboro grandfather held three weeks by ICE in mistaken identity caseVictor Cruz, a 55-year-old Hillsboro business owner and grandfather, was held three weeks at a Tacoma facility after agents allegedly mistook him for someone else. A federal judge released him on bond November 7.Hillsboro, OR · Nov 7, 2025 · OPB, Hillsboro News Times, KPTV +4
Pennsylvania
Izzy A.: Egyptian green card applicant held 6 months by ICE, denied kidney careIzzy Aly, a Libertarian activist and business owner, was held six months at a Pennsylvania detention center, where he developed stage 3 kidney disease before being freed in June 2026.Clearfield County, PA · Jun 19, 2026 · WHYY, Philadelphia Inquirer, Truthout +3
Carlos D.V.: Pennsylvania husband of U.S. citizen held 258 days in 12 ICE facilitiesCarlos Della Valle, a longtime Chester County, Pennsylvania resident, was detained after an airport stop during a family vacation and held across 12 facilities for 258 days. He was released in late April 2026 and reunited with his wife, Angela.Downingtown, PA · May 8, 2026 · NBC Philadelphia, CBS News
Tennessee
Hasan B.: 81-year-old Iranian immigrant held seven months by ICE, attorney says health declinedHasan Besharat, 81, an Iranian immigrant and engineer who came legally in 1974, was freed after seven months in detention where his health declined to barely 100 pounds.“For somebody like that who is a person of great importance to the community and did what he had to in order to comply with the government’s requirements, what happened to him was an absolute tragedy,” — Brandon Viele, immigration attorneyNashville, TN · Sep 3, 2026 · Action News 5, FOX 13 Memphis, WREG +2
Maria P.: Diabetic nursing mother detained by ICE, separated from toddler with Down syndromeMaria Perez, a Guatemalan asylum-seeker and mother nursing an infant and caring for a toddler with Down syndrome, was detained far from home for nearly three months before being released and reunited with her children.Nashville, TN · Aug 14, 2026 · WKRN, WSMV, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights +10
Yasser L.S.: Memphis high school student detained two months by ICEYasser Jose Lopez Soza, 18, a Memphis Business Academy student with college soccer prospects, was detained on his way to a soccer game. A judge ordered his release after two months, ruling his detention without bond unlawful.Memphis, TN · Apr 24, 2026 · WREG, Daily Memphian, The Rogersville Review +1
Texas
Luis O.: U.S. citizen teens headed to Marine recruiter detained, pepper sprayed by ICETwo 17-year-old U.S. citizens, including Luis Ochoa, were stopped on their way to enlist in the Marines; one was handcuffed and struck, breaking his wrist, the other pepper sprayed. A local politician secured their release after eight hours.Alamo, TX · Sep 12, 2026 · The New Republic, International Business Times, KRGV +1
Asylum-seeking mariachi brothers separated from family in ICE detentionTwo mariachi brothers from an award-winning McAllen High School band were separated from their parents and shackled after a routine check-in; the family was freed after 13 days following bipartisan pressure.Dilley, TX · Sep 2026 · Yahoo News, NBC News, KSAT +11
Jesús B. and Katherine: San Antonio father says ICE made him lure 9-year-old daughter to detentionSan Antonio father Jesús Bracho says ICE forced him to lure his 9-year-old daughter Katherine from their home for detention. The two were held together over a month in Dilley before release.San Antonio, TX · Aug 28, 2026 · SA Current, News 4 San Antonio
Mother, children 8 and 11 detained by ICE at Texas bus stopVenezuelan asylum-seeker Maria Betania Uzcategui Castillo and her two children, ages 11 and 8, were detained at a Texas school bus stop and held 17 days before a judge ordered them freed.Alamo Heights, TX · Aug 27, 2026 · WFAA, KENS 5, San Antonio Express-News +8
Leticia U.: Nigerian nun detained by ICE on way to Mass, denied medicationSister Leticia Ugboaja, a 56-year-old Nigerian-born nun and registered nurse, was detained while walking to Mass in McAllen, Texas, despite valid legal status, and released the same day after lawmakers intervened.McAllen, TX · Jul 29, 2026 · The Independent, East Texas Radio, Spot On Texas +27
Gerardo R.G.: Father held by ICE 60+ days after unfounded traffic stopGerardo Reyes Gonzalez, 44, was arrested as a passenger in his teenage son's truck during a disputed March 2026 traffic stop and held over two months. A federal judge freed him June 1 after community petitioning.San Marcos, TX · Jun 7, 2026 · CBS Austin, KUT, San Marcos Record
Andrea P.F.: Asylum seeker denied ovarian cyst surgery by ICE, held nearly four monthsAndrea Pedro-Francisco, 23, a Guatemalan asylum seeker, was held nearly four months at a Texas tent facility while ICE denied surgery for an ovarian cyst doctors called medically necessary, before her June release.Texas · Jun 5, 2026 · MPR News, U.S. House of Representatives - Office of Craig, El Paso Matters +8
Alejandro and Jairo: San Antonio student and father detained by ICE driving to soccer gameAlejandro, a Churchill High School 10th grader, and his father Jairo were detained May 17 while driving to a soccer game, missing school and his mother. Rep. Joaquin Castro pushed for their release.San Antonio, TX · May 29, 2026 · SA Current, Alamo City Pulse, News 4 San Antonio
Luis Fernando C.C.: Austin teen soccer goalie detained by ICE over expired registration stickerLuis Fernando Cabrera Chavarria, 18, a varsity soccer goalie, was detained after a traffic stop for an expired registration sticker and sent to Karnes County. A judge ordered his release so he could take finals and attend graduation.Austin, TX · May 27, 2026 · Sahan Journal, MSN, KXAN +11
Deisy R.O.: Army sergeant's wife with torture protection detained by ICE at immigration appointmentDeisy Fidelina Rivera Ortega, wife of an active-duty Army sergeant, was detained at a Texas USCIS appointment despite having work authorization. She was freed after a month following a senator's intervention.El Paso, TX · May 16, 2026 · KTSM, Good Morning America, CNN +31
Ezequiel V.: Venezuelan doctor married to U.S. citizen detained at Border Patrol checkpointDr. Ezequiel Veliz, a Venezuelan physician and medical resident in Texas, was detained at a checkpoint after his protected status was revoked. Married to a U.S. citizen, he was granted bond following medical community outcry and a lawmaker's intervention.Sarita, TX · Apr 2026 · LinkedIn, Archy Newsy, American Medical Writers Association +5
Feverish toddler refused food for 12 days in ICE detention at DilleyA two-year-old boy and his mother, Joani, were released from the Dilley family detention center in Texas after he spent 12 days refusing to eat while running a fever. Rep. Joaquin Castro had publicly called for his release.Dilley, TX · Mar 30, 2026 · CRBC News, Migrant Insider, Americans Against ICE +1
Gael: Nonverbal 5-year-old held three weeks by ICE began hitting himselfGael, a nonverbal 5-year-old from Colombia with autism, was held for three weeks with his asylum-seeking parents, developing abdominal pain and self-harming behavior. Public attention after a video call led to the family's release.Dilley, TX · Mar 24, 2026 · NBC NewsKenek and Vilma B.T.: Boy with severe autism self-harms during 80+ days in ICE detentionKenek, a 9-year-old with severe autism, was held over 80 days at a Texas detention center without his therapy, suffering meltdowns and self-harm. He and his mother were released with an ankle monitor after a lawyer intervened.Dilley, TX · Mar 16, 2026 · NBC News, Change.org
Pregnant women held at Dilley ICE facility with inadequate medical careAbout eight pregnant women remain held at the Dilley facility despite a policy barring their detention, with cases including a woman three months pregnant who experienced heavy bleeding. Judges have ordered pregnant and nursing women released.Dilley, TX · Feb 20, 2026 · News 4 San Antonio, WBUR, Center for Reproductive Rights +4
Russian asylum-seeking family held four months, daughter partially loses hearingA Russian family of five, fleeing persecution over the father's opposition to Putin, was freed after more than four months at Dilley detention, where their daughter suffered hearing loss from untreated ear infections.Dilley, TX · Feb 19, 2026 · NBC News, News 4 San Antonio, Aggregate T
Emmanuel G.G.: Missing Houston teen with intellectual disability handed to ICE, held 48 daysEmmanuel González García, 15, has an intellectual disability and partial deafness. He was held 48 days after agents failed to link him to his mother's missing-person report, undergoing emergency surgery in custody.Houston, TX · Oct 4, 2025 · 19th News, The Barbed Wire, Houston Chronicle +4
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Julian P.O.: Colombian activist held 650 days in ICE detention with medical neglectJulian David Palacios Obregon, a 27-year-old Colombian human rights activist, spent 650 days in ICE detention in Tacoma, suffering a severe infection and missing recommended colonoscopies before a court ordered his release in September 2026.Tacoma, WA · Sep 11, 2026 · CourtListener, El País
Fernando A.R.: Asylum-seeking high school theater manager thrown down by ICE, witnesses sayFernando Alves Rocha, a theater manager and mentor at a Kirkland high school, was pulled from his car and thrown to the ground during his arrest. A judge granted him bond after colleagues raised over $36,000.Kirkland, WA · Jul 30, 2025 · KUOW, KIRO 7, Seattle Times +2
Location not tied to one state
Miguel R.R.: Michigan business owner and father of four held a month by ICEMiguel Rosas Ruiz, a Mexican-born business owner and father of four from Ypsilanti, was detained while driving to work and held for a month. He was released in April 2026 and reunited with his family.MI · Apr 8, 2026 · WEMU, Michigan Daily, Action Network +1- Hemerson S.L.: Honduran man in U.S. nearly 10 years detained by ICE while fishingA Honduran man who had lived in the U.S. nearly 10 years since arriving as a minor was re-detained while fishing, with no finding he posed any danger. A federal court ordered his immediate release, calling the detention unlawful.Apr 1, 2026 · CourtListener
Steven T.: Ugandan pastor pulled from car by ICE in Vermont, held 16 daysPastor Steven Tendo, a Ugandan asylum seeker and nursing assistant, was pulled from his car at gunpoint outside a Vermont care facility and held 16 days before a judge ordered his release in February.VT · Mar 20, 2026 · Newsweek, Associated Press, Community Violence Intervention Collaborative +4
7-year-old girl detained by ICE outside Oregon hospital, held 21 daysA 7-year-old Venezuelan girl was detained with her parents outside a Portland hospital while seeking care for a nosebleed, held 21 days in Texas, and released after a lawmaker intervened.Feb 1, 2026 · OPB, The Oregonian, Legal Clarity +1
Russian asylum-seeking family with three children held four months at DilleyNikita and Oksana, a Russian couple with three young children, were held over four months at Dilley despite a 20-day limit for minors, facing moldy food and poor care. They were freed in February after their lawyer cited medical concerns.Mexican border · Feb 2026 · The Marshall Project, Ansar Press, NBC News +1
Donna H.B.: Irish grandmother held 5 months by ICE over decade-old checksDonna Hughes-Brown, 59, who has lived in the U.S. since age 11, was detained for five months over two decade-old bounced checks totaling under $80. She was released before Christmas and reunited with family in Missouri.Ireland · Dec 23, 2025 · First Alert 4, WOWT, Irish Times +9
Wuilliam L.S.: Deported Venezuelan subjected to stress positions and solitary torture in El SalvadorWuilliam Lozada Sanchez was deported to El Salvador's CECOT prison, where he said he endured hours in stress positions and beatings in a dark punishment cell. He was freed in July as part of a prisoner swap.“There was blood everywhere, screams, people crying, people who couldn't take it and were urinating and vomiting on themselves.” — Luis Muñoz PintoMar 15, 2025 · CBS News