ICE transfers 20-year-old with legal citizenship pathway to detention
Mar 26, 2025 · Plainfield, NJ, Honduras
DetainmentDeportationFamilyOfficer MisconductLPR/Green CardSpecial Immigrant Juvenile StatusNew Jersey

ICE transferred 20-year-old Cristofer Ortega from New Jersey to a detention center in Louisiana despite having an approved legal pathway to citizenship through Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Ortega, who arrived in the U.S. at age 9 and has no criminal record, was detained after an encounter while completing his HVAC certification. ICE is planning to deport him to Honduras before he can apply for his green card.
Sources
More incidents in New Jersey
- Two Raymond's restaurant workers detained by ICE in Montclair, NJAug 20, 2026 · Montclair, NJ
- Delaney Hall detainees seek crime-victim visas after alleged abuse during protestsAug 20, 2026 · Newark, NJ
- Two restaurant workers detained by ICE while walking to work in MontclairAug 19, 2026 · Montclair, NJ
- Colombian bridal shop owner and mother detained by ICE in New JerseyAug 19, 2026 · Teaneck, NJ
- Man detained by ICE agents after visiting Newark church food pantryAug 18, 2026 · Newark, NJ
- Masked ICE agents detain man on Union City street cornerAug 17, 2026 · Union City, NJ