ICE Agents Now Detaining Immigrants at Green Card Interviews, Attorneys Report

A routine step toward U.S. residency is turning into a trap for some applicants. Immigration attorneys report a new enforcement tactic where ICE agents arrest individuals during their official green card interviews. These incidents are occurring at USCIS offices, which are traditionally seen as safe spaces for immigration proceedings.

According to reports from the New York Times and CBS 8, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has begun coordinating arrests at these appointments. The policy appears to target individuals who entered the country legally but subsequently overstayed their visas.

‘This is Evil, But True,’ Says Immigration Lawyer

The alarming trend has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts. Attorneys confirm that even applicants with no criminal history are being detained. These individuals often have American citizen spouses sponsoring their petitions.

American immigration lawyer Charles Kuck publicly responded to the reports. He stated the situation is both true and deeply concerning. His sentiment echoes the frustration felt by many in the legal community.

Spouses of U.S. Citizens Among Those Detained

The human impact of this policy is already evident. Attorney Saman Nasseri informed CBS 8 that five of his clients were arrested last week alone. All were married to U.S. citizens and had no criminal records. Their only violation was overstaying a visa after a legal entry.

Other attorneys, like Habib Hasbini, have reported similar cases. The detentions appear to be concentrated at one specific office for now. This has created a climate of fear for applicants in that region.

Is the Policy Limited to San Diego?

Current evidence suggests the arrests are primarily happening in San Diego. Habib Hasbini noted that his colleagues in other counties are not seeing the same pattern. The first incident there occurred just before a new ICE memo was issued.

Despite the risk, attorneys advise clients not to miss their interviews. Failing to appear can lead to an automatic denial of their application. They recommend preparing for all outcomes, including the possibility of detention.

Thought you’d like to know-

Who is being arrested at green card interviews?

According to attorneys, ICE is targeting individuals who entered the U.S. legally but overstayed their visas. This includes spouses of U.S. citizens with no criminal history. The arrests happen during the scheduled interview at a USCIS office.

Are these arrests happening across the entire United States?

Currently, most reported cases are from the San Diego USCIS field office. Immigration lawyers in other regions have not reported the same level of activity. The policy may be a localized enforcement action for now.

What should I do if I have a green card interview scheduled?

Legal experts strongly advise attending your appointment as scheduled. Failure to appear will likely result in your application being denied for abandonment. Consult with an immigration attorney beforehand to understand your specific risks.

What is ICE’s official statement on this practice?

ICE stated it is committed to enforcing immigration laws through targeted operations. The agency says anyone in the country illegally, including those out of status at federal locations, is subject to arrest and removal under U.S. law.

Can ICE legally make arrests inside a USCIS office?

Yes. As federal law enforcement officers, ICE agents have the authority to make arrests on federal property. USCIS offices are considered federal locations, so no special permission is required for them to operate there.