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Indian National Seeking Self-Deportation Sent to Alaska by ICE, Re-detained Upon Return

May 2025 · Seattle, WA, India

Indian National Seeking Self-Deportation Sent to Alaska by ICE, Re-detained Upon Return

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.

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