Albanian barber arrested by ICE after 20 years in America, separated from citizen wife and young daughter
May 17, 2026·Location: Elmwood Park, IL
Country of origin: Albania

Besnik "Nik" Shembitrasi, a 49-year-old barber from Albania who immigrated to the U.S. in 2006, was arrested by ICE on May 17, 2026, outside his home in Elmwood Park as he was leaving for work. Shembitrasi has built a life in Illinois over two decades, working as a barber at Frank's Barber Shop in Oak Park, married to a U.S. citizen, and father to an 8-year-old daughter born in the U.S. His uncle and employer Frank Shemitraku described him as hardworking, respectful, and dedicated to supporting his family, noting that Shembitrasi had recently purchased a home in Elmwood Park and works two jobs. At the time of reporting, Shembitrasi was being held by ICE in Brazil, Indiana, and his family expressed concern about his separation and uncertain immigration status.
Sources
- Oak Park barber, native of Albania, apprehended by ICE - Wednesday Journal
oakpark.com·Jun 23, 2026·archived copy
- "He Is Not a Criminal" – Albanian Barber Deported from America After Over 20 Years in the US. His Uncle's Message: He Was a Victim of Criminals, It Wasn't His Fault the Visa...
albeu.com·Jul 19, 2026·archived copy
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