Man released after 9 months in ICE detention, forced to rebuild life
Jan 1, 2026·Location: Palm Beach, FL

Sam Rivera, who held an asylum visa, was detained by ICE for nine months starting in January before being released. Before his detention, he had built a small home renovation business in South Florida, but during his time in custody his business collapsed, his car was repossessed, and he lost the tools he used for work. He was also transferred to a detention facility in California, far from his home and community, and now faces $10,000 in immigration legal fees as he tries to rebuild his business and life.
Sources
More incidents in Florida
- Exiled Nicaraguan journalist detained by ICE while driving for Uber in FloridaSep 14, 2026 · FL
- Salvadoran mother waits overnight with sick child for Miami immigration hearingSep 12, 2026 · Miami, FL
- Gay Brazilian man deported to Equatorial Guinea despite winning torture protection rulingSep 11, 2026 · Orlando, FL
- Man detained by ICE and Florida Fish & Wildlife officers in Miami BeachSep 9, 2026 · Miami Beach, FL
- Venezuelan couple detained by ICE while charging Tesla at Doral stationSep 9, 2026 · Doral, FL
- Venezuelan father detained by ICE while buying daughter's medication, files habeas petitionSep 9, 2026 · South Florida, FL