ICE Arrests Military Spouses During Green Card Interviews, Families Shocked

Multiple foreign-born spouses of U.S. citizens were arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in San Diego. The arrests occurred at a USCIS office during final marriage-based green card interviews. Families and their legal representatives have expressed profound shock and betrayal.

Those detained include spouses holding infants and the wife of a Navy veteran. According to Reuters, none of the individuals had criminal records and had completed extensive background checks.

A Drastic Shift in Immigration Enforcement

The arrests signal a sharp policy change. Legal experts note that such actions during adjustment-of-status interviews were once extremely rare. This new practice is now being described as a “new normal” in the San Diego area.

Spouses of U.S. citizens who entered the country lawfully are generally eligible for green cards. This is true even if their original visa has expired during the application process. ICE’s stated reason for many arrests was simply “visa overstay.”

The impact on military families is particularly severe. Service members feel their sacrifice is being dishonored. One Navy veteran stated he felt “betrayed” after his wife was taken into custody just before her interview.

Legal Challenges and Broader Consequences

A class-action lawsuit has been filed in response. The suit, reported by the Associated Press, challenges the constitutionality of these detentions. It argues that arresting individuals who complied with all legal requirements violates their due-process rights.

This enforcement strategy undermines long-standing immigration procedures. It creates fear for thousands of applicants following the rules. Advocates warn it damages the integrity of the legal immigration system.

The detained individuals are currently held at the Otay Mesa Detention Center. Immigration lawyers are urging all applicants, especially in San Diego, to seek legal counsel before attending interviews.

The recent ICE arrests of military spouses during official proceedings mark a significant and alarming escalation in immigration enforcement tactics.

Thought you’d like to know

Why were these spouses arrested if they were married to U.S. citizens?

They were arrested for visa overstay. Even with a pending green card application, an expired visa can be grounds for detention under current enforcement priorities.

Is it legal for ICE to arrest people at a USCIS office?

Yes, ICE agents have broad enforcement authority. However, legal challenges argue that targeting individuals at compliance appointments violates due process.

What is being done to help the detained spouses?

Immigration lawyers have filed a class-action lawsuit. They are also working to secure individual bond hearings and release for those detained.

Does this affect all green card applicants now?

The trend appears concentrated in certain areas like San Diego. It represents a localized policy shift, not a universal change in procedure.

What should someone with a scheduled interview do?

Seek immediate legal counsel from an experienced immigration attorney. Do not miss the appointment, but go prepared with legal representation.