Indian National Seeking Self-Deportation Sent to Alaska by ICE, Re-detained Upon Return
May 2025 · Seattle, WA, India

After months in ICE detention in Tacoma, Rakesh Rakesh volunteered to self-deport to India but was mistakenly placed on a flight to Sitka, Alaska instead of New York. Alaska Airlines staff assisted him with meals, lodging, and rebooking at no charge. Upon his return to Seattle, ICE re-detained him at the Northwest ICE Processing Center for an additional 16 days before completing his deportation, prompting him to conduct a hunger strike to protest the situation.
Sources
More incidents in Washington
- Man detained by ICE agents outside Yakima grocery storeAug 22, 2026 · Yakima, WA
- Man handcuffed by ICE agent during traffic stop near Yakima, then releasedAug 17, 2026 · Yakima, WA
- ICE agents chase person fleeing arrest at Port Orchard businessAug 15, 2026 · Port Orchard, WA
- Seattle sees surge in masked ICE arrests aided by state driver dataAug 15, 2026 · Seattle, WA
- Over 140 detainees on hunger strike at Tacoma ICE detention center over food and medical careAug 12, 2026 · Tacoma, WA
- DACA recipient and father of three pulled from car by masked ICE agents in SeattleAug 5, 2026 · Seattle, WA