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Cincinnati business owner detained by ICE; family seeks release

Feb 16, 2026·Location: Cincinnati, OH

Country of origin: Eritrea

Cincinnati business owner detained by ICE; family seeks release
Photo via WCPO

Efrem Yemane Berhe, a Cincinnati business owner and father of two from Eritrea, was detained by ICE agents outside his home on February 16, 2026, after living legally in the U.S. for 15 years. His detention stems from a civil immigration matter related to a prior marriage. A judge denied his bond request on March 5 citing flight risk concerns, and his family is appealing the decision while he awaits a green card hearing scheduled for April 30.

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