HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

ICE transfers 20-year-old with legal citizenship pathway to detention

Mar 26, 2025 · Plainfield, NJ, Honduras

ICE transfers 20-year-old with legal citizenship pathway to detention

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