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Uncle and aunt detained at ICE check-in despite decades of compliance, held four months

May 17, 2026 · Florence, AZ

Uncle and aunt detained at ICE check-in despite decades of compliance, held four months

An uncle and aunt who had attended yearly ICE check-ins since the early 1990s were suddenly detained during a routine check-in and held for over four months. During detention, they were denied access to medications for serious health conditions, and the aunt was transferred to Florence, Arizona without family or attorney notification. Both are stateless individuals from the former USSR facing potential deportation to an unknown country. They were released on January 16, 2026, and are now pursuing a legal appeal.

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