Legal process
Lawyer access denied
The person could not reach or meet a lawyer: calls blocked, visits refused, moved before counsel could appear.
Documented in 28 states. Every well-documented story coded this way, grouped by state. See what accompanies it →
Arizona
- Cuban asylum seeker deported by ICE to Ecuador after hunger strikesA Cuban asylum seeker held at Florence Correctional Center staged hunger strikes over detention conditions, then was placed in solitary confinement and deported to Ecuador, ending his U.S. legal case.Florence, AZ · Jul 13, 2026 · Arizona Mirror, News from the States
Karla T.: DACA recipient arrested by ICE at Tucson home without warrantKarla Toledo, 31, a DACA recipient and community organizer with no criminal record, was detained at her Tucson home without a warrant and later freed on $1,500 bond after community pressure.Tucson, AZ · May 25, 2026 · Tucson.com, The Arizona Republic, KTAR +16- Ramon M.T.: Young man with leukemia detained by ICE, shackled during chemotherapyRamon Mendez-Tum (a pseudonym), a 24-year-old with leukemia, was detained at a traffic stop heading to chemotherapy, then shackled during hospital stays and cut off from lawyers for months. A judge finally ordered his release.Florence, AZ · Apr 2026 · Firrp
Mehrzad A.E.: U.S. citizen's Iranian husband held by ICE, faces deportation despite execution riskMehrzad Asadi Eidivand, an Iranian man married to a U.S. citizen, was re-detained after serving probation and is now pressured to accept deportation to Iran, where he faces a reported execution risk for opposing its government.Tempe, AZ · Feb 2026 · DocumentCloud, Habeas Dockets, ICE +4
Lucy: 3-year-old unaccompanied minor appears in immigration court without attorneyLucy, a 3-year-old, appeared alone before an immigration judge in Tucson without a lawyer, as federal budget cuts leave many young migrant children without legal help in court.Tucson, AZ · Dec 9, 2025 · Univision, Copper Courier, Real News Network +3- Mehrzad A.E.: Iranian man arrested at home without warrant, held by ICE three monthsMehrzad Asadi Eidivand, 41, an Iranian man who says he faces execution at home for opposing its regime, was detained by ICE after a plea deal and has been held three months in Calexico.Tempe, AZ · Jun 1, 2025 · DocumentCloud, Habeas Dockets, ICE
Guatemalan mother in Border Patrol custody told to take or leave newbornA Guatemalan woman gave birth at a Tucson hospital while in Border Patrol custody and faced immediate deportation, forced to decide whether to take her newborn. After public pressure, she and the baby were released to a Phoenix nonprofit.Tucson, AZ · May 2025 · ACLU, KOLD, Tucson.com +4
California
Joseph L.R. and Lesly R.G.: Deaf 6-year-old deported to Colombia without hearing aids after ICE check-inLesly Rodriguez Gutierrez, a Colombian asylum seeker and Hayward cleaner for four years, was deported with her sons, including her Deaf 6-year-old, without his hearing aids or cochlear implants.Hayward, CA · Sep 3, 2026 · The Independent, Newsy Today, KQED +6
Everlee W.: Green card holder detained by CBP at LAX, shackled and denied foodEverlee Amelia Wihongi, a 37-year-old lawful permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. since age six, was detained at LAX returning from a family trip and shackled on a floor for 14 hours during transfers across four states.“This place no longer feels like home to us, especially after seeing how my daughter’s been treated,” — Betty Wihongi, her motherLos Angeles, CA · May 21, 2026 · KSL, The Guardian, New Zealand Herald +12- Nelson M.A.: Colombian asylum applicant detained by ICE at interview, separated from familyA Colombian asylum seeker living in Compton with his girlfriend and child was detained at a USCIS interview and held with almost no contact with family. A judge ordered his release.Tustin, CA · Apr 9, 2026 · CourtListener
- Mikayel M.: Man held by ICE at Adelanto Detention Facility in CaliforniaA man held at Adelanto Detention Facility challenged his detention as unconstitutional. A judge ordered his immediate release after the government did not oppose the request.Adelanto, California · Apr 9, 2026 · CourtListener
Three deaths, contaminated water and poor care documented at Adelanto ICE facilityRoughly 1,800 people held at California's Adelanto detention center face contaminated water, spoiled food, and inadequate medical care, with three deaths reported since September 2025.Adelanto, California · Mar 19, 2026 · Press Telegram, San Bernardino Sun, KVCR News +4- Bayron R.M.: Seriously injured immigrant chained to hospital bed by ICE agentsBayron Rovidio Marin was hospitalized for weeks after his arrest, chained to his bed and guarded by agents who directed his care and limited contact with family and lawyers.San Francisco, CA · Mar 2026 · MALDEF, LA Taco, AOL +2
George R.: Disabled Army veteran held three days by ICE despite citizenship proofGeorge Retes, a disabled Army veteran and security guard, was pepper-sprayed, tackled and held for three days despite proving his citizenship, missing his daughter's third birthday.Camarillo, CA · Feb 24, 2026 · Scripps News, Military Times, The Atlantic +7
Yebio K.: Intellectually disabled man with heart failure denied care at California ICE jailYebio Kifle, 48, intellectually disabled with congestive heart failure, suffered severe medical neglect at a California detention facility. A judge has now ordered ICE to provide adequate healthcare there.California City, CA · Feb 11, 2026 · The Guardian, KQED, Los Angeles Times +2
Jude A. and Jenaro-Ernesto A.: U.S. citizen among day-laborer advocates arrested by Border Patrol at Home DepotJude Jasmine Jeannine Allard, 28, and Jenaro-Ernesto Ayala, 43, day-laborer advocates, were arrested at a Van Nuys Home Depot, and their attorneys were later denied access to them while detained in Los Angeles.Van Nuys, CA · Oct 16, 2025 · ProPublica, LA Taco
Carmen P.S.: Asylum seeker held without a bed at San Francisco ICE officeAsylum-seeker Carmen Aracely Pablo Sequen was held in a cold San Francisco ICE facility with no beds, prompting a judge to order immediate beds, medical care, and hygiene supplies for detainees.San Francisco, CA · Sep 18, 2025 · Mission Local, ACLU, ACLU of Northern California +2- Ligia G.: Colombian asylum-seeker held by ICE in SF, forced to sleep on floorColombian asylum-seeker Ligia Garcia was detained after an immigration court hearing in San Francisco and held in a cold cell with no bed and restricted access to her lawyer, prompting an ACLU class-action lawsuit.San Francisco, CA · Sep 18, 2025 · Mission Local, ACLU, Sacramento Bee +1
- Martin H.T.: Asylum-seeker with cancer held in cold, bedless cells at SF ICE officeMartin Hernandez-Torres, who has lived in the U.S. for 30 years and has cancer, was held up to six days at a San Francisco ICE office without a bed.San Francisco, CA · Sep 18, 2025 · Mission Local, ACLU, Sacramento Bee +1
Will K.: PhD candidate held a week by CBP at SFO, denied asthma medicationTae Heung "Will" Kim, a Ph.D. candidate researching a Lyme disease vaccine, was held over a week at SFO without a lawyer, his asthma medication, or a bed after returning from his brother's wedding.San Francisco, CA · Jul 29, 2025 · Korea Daily, Washington Post, Maeil Business Newspaper +7- Will K.: Ph.D. candidate held over a week at airport by CBPTae Heung "Will" Kim, 40, a Texas A&M Ph.D. candidate studying infectious disease, was held at San Francisco Airport for over a week without a lawyer after returning from his brother's wedding. He now faces a September 4 deportation hearing.San Francisco, CA · Jul 21, 2025 · Korean Quarterly, Seattle Times, Law & Crime
Barbara S.: 71-year-old U.S. citizen held 8 hours by ICE at San Diego courthouseBarbara Stone, 71, a U.S. citizen and volunteer legal observer, was handcuffed and held over eight hours at a San Diego federal building after an agent accused her of pushing, a claim she denied. No charges were filed.San Diego, CA · Jul 10, 2025 · NBC News, NBC San Diego, Legal Clarity +2- ICE raids in LA leave detainees' families searching for answersAbout two dozen workers, roughly a dozen from Veracruz, Mexico, were detained in an ICE raid at a Los Angeles Fashion District warehouse. Families say they cannot locate loved ones, and some have reportedly already been deported.Los Angeles, CA · Jun 10, 2025 · NPR, NPR
Lucas S.: German man held over two weeks by ICE at San Diego borderLucas Sielaff, 25, was detained after trying to cross from Tijuana to see his American fiancée, then chose to leave the country after weeks in custody.San Diego, CA · Feb 18, 2025 · 10News, PBS, NBC San Diego
Connecticut
Florida
Alicia L.: Venezuelan businesswoman detained by ICE while dropping off daughter in DoralAlicia Labrador, a Venezuelan businesswoman and beauty brand founder, was detained while dropping off her 16-year-old daughter in Doral. She has a pending asylum case and work permit, and now faces deportation proceedings.“No he podido hablar con ella libremente. En todos esos centros te graban por todas partes, entonces no sé qué tanto ella me podrá decir. Ella es una persona que ha dedicado su vida en los Estados Unidos, a darle a las personas una oportunidad para sentirse mejor con su belleza y bienestar. No saber si ella tiene acceso, por ejemplo, a baño, a comida o a cualquier sitio para dormir, es lo que más nos preocupa, a mí como su abogada y a sus familiares” — attorney Ros Ana GuillénDoral, FL · Sep 30, 2026 · News Link 7, El Diario, Telemundo 51 +1%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fi.s3.glbimg.com%2Fv1%2FAUTH_37554604729d4b2f9f3eb9ad8a691345%2Finternal_photos%2Fbs%2F2026%2Fb%2Fg%2FvZbPS2RkWhoTus1aL2KA%2Fbrasileiros-deportados.jpg&w=128&q=75)
Pietro G.L.: Gay Brazilian man deported to Equatorial Guinea despite winning torture protection rulingPietro Graza de Lima, who ran a small business in Orlando for seven years after fleeing violence in Brazil, won protection from deportation but was flown instead to Equatorial Guinea, where he lost contact with his lawyers.Orlando, FL · Sep 11, 2026 · valorinternational.globo.com, Miami Herald, Lookout News +4
About 800 transferred from Everglades ICE facility, families struggle to locate themAbout 800 detainees were transferred out of the Everglades facility known as "Alligator Alcatraz," with families and lawyers unable to locate many of them after officials cited hurricane concerns.Florida Everglades, FL · Jun 18, 2026 · Associated Press, ABC News, News Tribune +5
Detainees beaten, one's wrist broken, at Florida facility after phone outage complaintTwo detainees at a Florida facility known as "Alligator Alcatraz" were beaten and pepper-sprayed after complaining about broken phones needed to reach family and lawyers; one suffered a broken wrist.Florida, FL · Apr 15, 2026 · Miami Herald, WSLS, Associated Press
People held by ICE at Florida Everglades facility denied lawyersPeople detained at Florida's Everglades Detention Facility will now get access to lawyers, confidential calls and unscheduled visits, under a judge's order following testimony of systematic denial of legal access.Fort Myers, FL · Mar 27, 2026 · ACLU, Ocala, Truthout +1
Detainees say they were punished for seeking lawyers at Florida facilityTwo former detainees at Florida's Everglades detention center testified they faced retaliation for seeking legal help, including dropped calls and denied pen and paper; one Haitian man said he was made to sign self-deportation papers without a lawyer.Florida · Jan 28, 2026 · Boston Herald, Associated Press, Detroit News +4
Miccosukee Tribe says Alligator Alcatraz detention facility threatens its 11 villagesThe Miccosukee Tribe is fighting the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention facility built in the Everglades near their 11 villages, arguing it was constructed unlawfully without required environmental review.Everglades, FL · Dec 19, 2025 · WLRN, Associated Press, The Invading Sea
Gustavo S.H.: Venezuelan priest with valid religious visa detained by CBP at Miami airportCatholic priest Gustavo Andrés Santos Higuera, serving at a Miami church since 2023, was denied reentry at Miami airport despite a valid religious visa. He was later released and resumed ministry before resigning for a new assignment.Miami, FL · Aug 20, 2025 · La Nación, Newsweek, Habeas Dockets +5
Detainees report fecal flooding and maggots in food at Florida's Alligator AlcatrazDetainees at Florida's Alligator Alcatraz reported non-functioning toilets, contaminated food, and denied medical care; one was hospitalized by ambulance on July 7. Over 250 held there have no criminal convictions or charges.Everglades, FL · Aug 7, 2025 · Washington Post, CBS News, Associated Press +2
About 1,000 migrants allegedly held without charges at Everglades campAbout 1,000 migrants held at the Everglades detention camp are reportedly denied lawyers and bond hearings, some beyond the 14-day limit. A judge ordered Florida to prove its legal authority over the facility by Thursday.Everglades, FL · Aug 6, 2025 · Miami New Times, Associated Press, Miami Times +1
Detainees on ten-day hunger strike at Florida detention center, one hospitalizedDetainees at a South Florida facility nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz" have hunger-struck for ten days over conditions; one, Pedro Hernández, was hospitalized but kept refusing food.Miramar, FL · Aug 1, 2025 · The Independent, NBC News, NBC Miami
Carlos G. and Óscar Alejandro G.: Two Mexican brothers held about 20 days at Alligator Alcatraz without chargesBrothers Carlos Martín and Óscar Alejandro Gonzalez were detained after a traffic stop in Orlando and held nearly 20 days at a Florida detention facility without case numbers or a lawyer. They were released uncharged and returned to Mexico.Orlando, FL · Jul 30, 2025 · Los Angeles Times, El Universal, UnoTV +4
Gaetano M.C.: Italian man says ICE denied him a lawyer at Alligator AlcatrazGaetano Cateno Mirabella Costa, 45, an Italian from Sicily, is held at a Florida detention camp with 32 others in cramped conditions, denied a lawyer, and has appeared shackled in court, his mother says.Osceola County, FL · Jul 21, 2025 · CNN, WSVN, WRAL +2
Lee S.: Irish hairstylist with work permit deported by ICE, piercings removed without consentLee Stinton, a 45-year-old Irish hairstylist living in Key West since 2018, was detained after a traffic stop and held in overcrowded conditions before being deported to Northern Ireland.Key West, FL · Jul 12, 2025 · Keys Weekly, Newsweek, Belfast Telegraph +3
Edgar: DACA recipient and father of three U.S. citizens held at Alligator AlcatrazEdgar, 36, a DACA recipient and father of three U.S. citizens, was held 13 days at "Alligator Alcatraz" before being moved to Glades County Jail. His attorney is seeking his release.Florida · Jul 10, 2025 · CBS News, WESH, Click Orlando
Immigrants held in Florida Everglades report lack of water, denied medicineDetainees from Cuba and Colombia at a Florida Everglades facility reported no water, electricity problems, inadequate food, mosquitoes, and being denied bathrooms, showers, medicine, and lawyers; state officials deny the claims.Ochopee, FL · Jul 9, 2025 · NBC News, CBS News, Associated Press +1- Fernando A.: Italian dual citizen held at Florida ICE facility denied lawyer, family saysFernando Eduardo Artese, 63, a security camera technician and dual Italian-Argentinian citizen living here since 2018, was detained at a Florida traffic stop while traveling with family and sent to the Everglades facility known as "Alligator Alcatraz."Martin County, FL · Jun 25, 2025 · CNN, WSVN, WRAL +2
Everglades detainees beaten and pepper-sprayed by guards after protesting lost phone accessDetainees at an Everglades facility were beaten and pepper-sprayed after a protest over lost phone access, their attorneys say. A federal judge ordered improved legal access, though compliance has been slow.Fort Myers, FL · Apr 2, 2025 · MSN, CBS News, The Independent +1
Andrea: Postpartum green card holder held by ICE, separated from her infantAndrea, 31, a Green Card holder from Argentina who had lived in the U.S. since age three, was detained after calling police during a domestic dispute just months after giving birth, separating her from her infant.Orlando, FL · Feb 1, 2025 · Human Rights Watch, Economic Times, HuffPost
Georgia
- Chong V.: Hmong man in U.S. since infancy detained at ICE appointment in AtlantaChong Leng Vue, 45, who arrived as a stateless infant from a Thai refugee camp, was detained at a routine immigration appointment and is the sole provider for his family of seven.Atlanta, GA · Oct 16, 2025 · Newsweek, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Detroit Free Press +1
Jacinto: Georgia driver denied bond twice after ICE 'slowpoke' stopJacinto, who had a valid license and a pending green card application, was turned over to ICE after a Georgia traffic stop and has since been denied bond twice.Jefferson, GA · Jul 18, 2025 · Univision
Idaho
Illinois
Dayanne F.: US citizen dragged from car by ICE agents in ChicagoDayanne Figueroa, a paralegal and single mother recovering from kidney surgery, was pulled from her car at gunpoint and held for hours without being told why.Chicago, IL · Oct 10, 2025 · Chicago Tribune, CBS News, thelatoday.com
Juan M.: Oak Park trustee says Border Patrol chief tackled him in eight-hour detentionOak Park Township Trustee Juan Munoz testified he was tackled and held for eight hours without explanation after protesting outside the Broadview ICE facility, describing unsanitary conditions and shared shoes among detainees.Broadview, IL · Oct 3, 2025 · CBS News, Banco de Profissionais, Oak Park River Forest Patch +2
Willian G.: Man detained by ICE in Chicago, lawyers denied access to himWillian Gimenez, a plaintiff suing Home Depot and off-duty Chicago police over targeting day laborers, was detained entering a barbershop with his wife in September.Chicago, IL · Sep 12, 2025 · City Bureau, Democracy Now, Chicago Sun-Times
Indiana
Iowa
Louisiana
Venezuelan men say they were shackled during deportation flight to LiberiaTwo Venezuelan men, 36 and 45, who had worked legally in the U.S. under protections, were shackled during a 15-hour deportation flight to Liberia, one missing his newborn son's birth.Alexandria, LA · Aug 19, 2026 · El Venezolano Newspaper, Centro Venezolanos
Moroccan LGBTQ+ woman deported via Cameroon despite judge's order, now hidingA 21-year-old Moroccan woman, despite a judge's order barring her return to Morocco, was deported to Cameroon in January 2026 and then sent back to Morocco, where she now hides.Alexandria, LA · Feb 27, 2026 · El País, Impact Policies, ABC7 +1
Two-year-old U.S. citizen deported to Honduras by ICE before judge could ruleA 2-year-old U.S. citizen born in Baton Rouge was deported to Honduras with her undocumented mother and sister before a judge could rule on emergency motions to stop it. A federal judge is now investigating the lack of due process.New Orleans, LA · May 16, 2025 · ABC News, BBC, NBC News +2- 3 U.S. citizen children, including one with cancer, deported by ICETwo families, including three U.S. citizen children ages 2, 4 and 7, were deported from New Orleans without lawyer access. One child with metastatic cancer went without medication.New Orleans, LA · Apr 25, 2025 · ACLU, El Semanario Online, PBS +1
2-year-old U.S. citizen apparently deported by ICE to Honduras with pregnant motherA 2-year-old U.S. citizen was apparently deported to Honduras with her mother after the mother was seized at a routine check-in and held for three days without contact with family or lawyers.New Orleans, LA · Apr 25, 2025 · NBC News, Reuters, BBC +1- Two mothers deported by ICE with children, including 4-year-old with cancerTwo mothers were deported to Honduras with their children days after routine check-ins, including a 4-year-old U.S. citizen with Stage 4 kidney cancer sent without his medication. They are now suing over the removals.Louisiana · April 2025 · ACLU, Miami Herald, The Mirror +1
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Carlos M.V.: Honduran student, police volunteer held 44 hours by CBP at Logan AirportCarlos Maldonado Valle, 21, a Honduran student and Provincetown police volunteer, was held 44 hours at Logan Airport after a diverted flight left him without travel paperwork. He was freed October 8 after a judge blocked his removal.Boston, MA · Oct 11, 2026 · Northeast News Collaborative, Cape and Islands, WGBH +4
14-year-old Brazilian girl held by ICE ordered returned to MassachusettsA 14-year-old Brazilian girl was detained in a Massachusetts church parking lot and transferred overnight to a New York children's facility before a federal judge ordered her immediate return to family.Marlboro, MA · Mar 11, 2026 · CBS News, WCVB, WBUR +2
Nine Allston car wash workers with valid work permits detained by ICENine Allston car wash workers with valid work permits were detained by over 22 agents who took them before letting them retrieve their permits. Seven have filed a federal claim alleging mistreatment and unlawful arrest.Boston, MA · Nov 9, 2025 · The Harvard Crimson, Boston.com
Jemmy J.R.: Mother of four with green card held by CBP without proper medicationJemmy Jimenez Rosa, 42, a green-card holder and mother of four from Peru, was detained 10 days after a family vacation over a pardoned 20-year-old conviction. A judge ordered her released August 28.Boston, MA · Aug 28, 2025 · Newsweek, CourtListener, Boston.com +3
Juan Francisco M.: Guatemalan father detained by ICE agents who smashed car window with axJuan Francisco Mendez, 29, was released on $1,500 bail and an ankle monitor after 30 days in jail, following a traffic stop where ICE smashed his car window. He now awaits reunion with his wife and son.New Bedford, MA · Apr 14, 2025 · NBC Boston, CBS News, Boston Globe
Minnesota
Adam A.: St. Paul asylum seeker held at Guantánamo, allegedly beaten, deported to SomaliaAdam Mohamed Abdullah, a Somali auto mechanic from St. Paul, was held at Guantánamo Bay and says he was beaten there; his mother died while he was denied a call to her before his deportation.““From Miami they say OK we go to Somalia, but first we go to Cuba for refueling then we go to some other countries to Somalia,”” — Adam AbdullahSt. Paul, MN · Sep 25, 2026 · Documented, MPR News, Truthout +4
Thousands held by ICE without lawyers in Minnesota must get accessThousands held at a Minnesota federal building were isolated without lawyers during an immigration sweep. A judge ordered access to attorneys, interpreters, and free phone calls within an hour, and barred rapid out-of-state transfers.Minneapolis, MN · Mar 28, 2026 · Law & Crime, CourtListener, The Indiana Lawyer +1
Steven S.: Marine veteran detained six hours, phone copied without warrantMarine Corps veteran Steven Saari was held six hours by federal agents at Alex Pretti's killing scene in Minneapolis, who took his DNA and phone data without a warrant and denied him a lawyer.Minneapolis, MN · Feb 3, 2026 · The Intercept, Lone Star Pie Federation, PieFed +2
William V.: Army veteran tackled by ICE in Minneapolis, held 8 hours without lawyerWilliam Vermie, a 39-year-old Army combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient, was tackled while watching agents detain others on a Minneapolis sidewalk and held eight hours without a lawyer despite his wife having already hired one.Minneapolis, MN · Jan 23, 2026 · Threads, ABC News, CourtListener +6- 19-year-old asylum seeker held seven days by Border Patrol without lawyerA 19-year-old Ecuadorian seeking asylum was detained outside a Minneapolis T-Mobile store and flown to Texas, held seven days without a lawyer. A court ordered him returned to Minnesota and released.Minneapolis, MN · Jan 13, 2026 · CourtListener, Democracy Forward
Adrian S.G.: Former DACA recipient removed from Minnesota hospital by ICE during psychiatric holdAdrian Sotelo Guzman, 27, who came to the U.S. as a child, was removed from a Minnesota hospital during a psychosis hold and sent to a Texas facility. His family says he still lacks proper care.Bloomington, MN · Aug 24, 2025 · Sahan Journal, Mankato Free Press, News Beep +1
Missouri
Fatou T.: Iowa mother of four deported to Sierra Leone, where she'd never beenFatou Traore, a hospital custodian and mother of four who lived in Iowa City for decades, was deported to Sierra Leone despite a pending motion to stay her removal.Florissant, MO · Oct 13, 2026 · The Gazette, Labor Notes, CBS 2 Iowa +6
ICE detainees crowded in Missouri jail, pregnant woman lacks prenatal careICE detainees at a Missouri jail holding over 150 people were found sleeping on thin trays with little access to clean water, medical care, or legal help, including a pregnant woman denied prenatal care.Ste. Genevieve, MO · May 27, 2026 · KCUR, Ashrei Foundation, Yahoo News +1
Pregnant Illinois constituent hospitalized twice while detained at Missouri ICE facilityA pregnant Illinois constituent was hospitalized twice for pregnancy emergencies while held at a Missouri ICE facility, where detainees reported overcrowded cells, scarce drinking water and limited medical care.Ste. Genevieve, MO · May 26, 2026 · St. Louis Public Radio, The Telegraph, Belleville News-Democrat
Montana
Nebraska
New Jersey
- Isidro C.R.: Electrician with autistic U.S. citizen son arrested by ICE without warrantA Mexican electrician who has lived in the U.S. for nearly 29 years and is father to an autistic son was arrested without warrant while walking his dogs. He is now seeking release or a bond hearing.Newark, NJ · May 15, 2026 · CourtListener
Leqaa K.: Palestinian activist shackled to hospital bed during year in ICE custodyLeqaa Kordia, 33, a Palestinian woman living in Paterson, New Jersey since 2016, was freed after a year in detention that included a hospitalization during which she was shackled to her bed.Paterson, NJ · Mar 16, 2026 · NPR, Associated Press, The Guardian +1
New York
Detainees kept on floors without beds or lawyers at NYC ICE facilityDetainees including Sergio Alberto Barco Mercado described sleeping on floors without beds and going without hygiene products at a Manhattan ICE facility. A judge ordered conditions fixed after finding prior orders willfully violated.New York, NY · Sep 24, 2026 · CBS News, ABC News, Bloomberg Law News +1
Mother deported despite bond among 57 arrested in New York factory raidOver 60 agents raided a Cato, New York snack factory, arresting 57 workers including pregnant women and mothers. Juana Castillo Avelar, a mother of three U.S. citizen children living here over 20 years, was deported despite being granted bond.Cato, NY · Sep 3, 2026 · Bloomberg Law News, Daily Freeman, WTOP +7
Haitian family with 3-year-old U.S. citizen separated by ICE, deportedA Haitian couple and their two sons, ages 5 and 3, were deported after fleeing to Canada for asylum and being sent back to ICE. The father was separated from his family and denied a call to a lawyer.“You will lose him” — the fatherNew York · Aug 27, 2026 · Just Security, Human Rights Watch, The News Intel- Diego: 11-year-old boy faces deportation alone in immigration court without lawyerDiego, 11, appeared alone in immigration court, struggling to complete his asylum application in English after legal aid funding expired. He has two and a half weeks to file or face deportation to Guatemala.New York, NY · Aug 6, 2026 · Documented
Mohamed F.: Asylum-seeking Syracuse hospital worker held 7 months by ICEMohamed Fofana, 22, a Guinean asylum seeker working at Upstate Medical University, was held seven months, once losing contact with his lawyer for a month, before a judge freed him and he returned to Syracuse in June 2026.Syracuse, NY · Jun 9, 2026 · Spectrum Local News, syracuse.com, CNY Central
- Munish K.: Indian asylum seeker held by ICE over three months without a hearingA 33-year-old Indian asylum seeker who lived in the U.S. nearly four years with no criminal record was detained without notice or a warrant and held over three months. A court ordered his immediate release, finding his detention unlawful.Brooklyn, NY · May 13, 2026 · CourtListener
Over 191 ICE detainees in Brooklyn face alleged inadequate medical careRep. Dan Goldman is seeking answers on the treatment of over 191 detainees held at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, citing inadequate medical care and barriers to legal counsel.Brooklyn, NY · Feb 23, 2026 · Quiver Quantitative, Documented, U.S. House of Representatives
57 workers arrested in ICE raid at New York snack factoryFifty-seven workers, including U.S. citizen Pedro Rojas, were arrested when masked federal agents raided a small New York snack factory, separating employees by citizenship and breaking down a bathroom door on female workers. Only five faced criminal charges.Cato, NY · Sep 4, 2025 · The Independent, New York Civil Liberties Union, NBC New York +2
Roger I.: 15-year-old NYC student cut off from lawyers in hotels, deported by ICERoger Iza, a 15-year-old Manhattan high school student, was held incommunicado with his father at private hotels in Louisiana and Texas, cut off from lawyers, before being deported to Ecuador after five days.New York, NY · Aug 9, 2025 · The Intercept, Programming Dev, The City +1
Yeonsoo G.: South Korean student detained five days by ICE despite valid visaYeonsoo Go, 21, a Purdue student and Scarsdale High graduate, was detained for five days after a routine visa hearing, despite her visa remaining valid through December. She was released on August 5.New York, NY · Aug 5, 2025 · Korean Quarterly, Gothamist, Gothamist +4Immigrants report sleeping on concrete at NYC ICE siteImmigrants held at a Lower Manhattan ICE site reported cramped rooms, little food, no bathing, and sleeping on concrete floors, with some stays lasting up to 10 days and limited medical care or family contact.New York, NY · Jul 9, 2025 · Gothamist, Newsday, Brooklyn Eagle +2
Undocumented immigrants arrested at Manhattan immigration court based on fabricated ICE authorityImmigrants attending required hearings at a Manhattan immigration court were arrested under ICE authority later revealed as fabricated, with agents separating families and moving detainees to block access to lawyers.New York, NY · Jun 17, 2025 · AM New York, The Prospect, Trump File
20-year-old Ecuadorian woman held nine days by ICE sleeping on floorA 20-year-old Ecuadorian woman was detained for nine days at 26 Federal Plaza without a bed, sleeping on the floor with dozens of others, before being released by a federal judge's order.“I was just a body that they crammed into a room, almost as if to be forgotten,” — Nuvia MartinezManhattan, NY · Jun 2025 · Washington Post, Leagle, Trump Whack +2Migrant children appear in court without lawyers in NYCUnaccompanied migrant children, including a 4-year-old girl, are appearing in New York immigration court without lawyers after funding for their legal representation was cut, with nearly all such children ending up deported.New York City, NY · Apr 22, 2025 · Gothamist, Gothamist, Forum Daily New York +1
North Carolina
Jose M.A.: Honduran father deported, detained again in TexasJose Eliezer Martinez-Andino, a 20-year-old Honduran mechanic in Raleigh with a work permit, was deported away from his U.S. citizen daughter, then held again for weeks after a judge ordered his return.Raleigh, NC · Aug 8, 2026 · The News & Observer, WUNC, Newsweek +3
Genesis and Denis: Durham siblings, 6 and 11, deported to Honduras after asylum appointmentGenesis, 11, and Denis, 6, Durham elementary students who fled Honduras in 2022, were detained with their parents during a scheduled asylum appointment and deported within 48 hours.Durham, NC · Apr 11, 2026 · Morning Honey, Law and Orders, Spectrum Local News +5
Ohio
Oregon
Two U.S. citizen women held for hours by ICE after filming agentsTwo U.S. citizen women were detained for hours without a lawyer after filming ICE agents in a Canby parking lot. They have stayed anonymous, fearing retaliation; at least seven others were arrested nearby.Canby, OR · Nov 20, 2025 · KATU, KYAQ, ChronMexican woman seeking asylum pressured by ICE to give up court hearingA 45-year-old Mexican farmworker was arrested on her way to work and pressured to sign away her right to an asylum hearing. She was shackled and transferred to Tacoma, cut off from her attorney for two days.Woodburn, OR · Oct 30, 2025 · The Marshall Project, Borderless Magazine
Pennsylvania
- Jaime M.A.: Ecuadorian asylum seeker held by ICE without bond hearing in PennsylvaniaAn Ecuadorian asylum seeker held without a bond hearing at a Pennsylvania facility since July 2026 was ordered released by a judge, who found he should have been entitled to a bond hearing.Clinton County, PA · Jul 25, 2026 · CourtListener
Slovak husband of U.S. citizen deported without notice to family or lawyerA Slovak man who overstayed a visa and married a U.S. citizen says he endured months of abuse in a Pennsylvania detention facility; a federal court dismissed his case in July 2026.Lords Valley, PA · Oct 29, 2025 · PACER Monitor, EXA
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Anastasio T. and Maria V.M.: Chattanooga teen in U.S. since age six deported with family by ICEAnastasio Tomas, 16, a Chattanooga Preparatory School student living in the U.S. since age six, was deported to Guatemala with his mother after a traffic stop. A GoFundMe is raising money to help him return to finish school.Chattanooga, TN · Sep 16, 2026 · CIVL, Local 3 News
Estefany R.F.: Spanish-language reporter held by ICE over two weeksEstefany Rodríguez Flórez, a Spanish-language reporter and mother who fled Colombia after threats over her journalism, was detained after dropping her daughter at school and held over two weeks before being released on bond.Nashville, TN · Sep 11, 2026 · WBIR, El País, KSHB +25
Daniel R.: 18-year-old high school graduate detained by ICE at routine check-inDaniel Romero, 18, a recent Ooltewah High School graduate, was detained days after graduation over a check-in app his family says malfunctioned. He is held in Louisiana with no bond, calls or visits allowed.Chattanooga, TN · May 24, 2026 · Local 3 News, WSMV, WDEF
Texas
Miguel P.H.: Houston construction worker's leg broken in three places by ICE SUVMiguel Parra-Hernandez, 48, a Mexican construction worker who has lived in the U.S. 34 years, was struck by an unmarked ICE SUV while fleeing on foot, shattering his ankle and breaking his leg in three places.Houston, TX · Oct 17, 2026 · Local 3 News, The Guardian, CBS Austin +13
Angel: Unaccompanied 13-year-old boy denied asylum without a lawyer in TexasAngel, a 13-year-old Honduran boy with no lawyer, was denied asylum in a Texas court despite saying his mother and family live in the U.S.; he cried, saying he had "no one."“My mom and almost my entire family are here. It’s too dangerous to go back.” — AngelHarlingen, TX · Sep 28, 2026 · KQ2, Latin Times, CRBC News +1
Hunger strikers in ICE detention force-fed, one asylum seeker for 8 monthsAt least ten hunger strikers in immigrant detention faced attempts at force-feeding, including one Kurdish asylum seeker fed against his will for eight months at a Texas facility.Los Fresnos, TX; Miami, FL; Washington State; Houston, TX · Aug 3, 2026 · The Guardian, Consortium News- Mohammad H.: Man held in Texas cannot see his New York lawyer in personA man held at Port Isabel Service Processing Center in Texas sought to stop his transfer out of state while his case proceeds, but a court denied the request.Cameron County, Texas · Jul 17, 2026 · CourtListener
- Gerald A.: Cameroonian teacher beaten in ICE detention at Fort Bliss after requesting lawyerGerald Akari Angye, 35, a former Cameroon teacher who fled torture, was beaten by guards at Fort Bliss's Camp East Montana after asking for a lawyer, then held in solitary 15 days. He joined an ACLU lawsuit over conditions there.El Paso, TX · May 30, 2026 · NPR, ACLU, ACLU of Texas +2
- ZOR: Beaten detainee faces repeated ICE deportation attempts despite court orderA detainee called ZOR (a pseudonym) had three teeth broken in a beating guards watched, was falsely told he'd won asylum, and has faced about six deportation attempts despite a court order blocking his removal.El Paso, TX · May 30, 2026 · El Paso Matters, ACLU of Texas, World Press A
- Jose M.P.: Venezuelan asylum seeker and father detained by ICE in Ennis, TexasA Venezuelan man living in Ennis, Texas with his wife and child was detained after an assault arrest, despite holding humanitarian parole. A court ordered him a substantive bond hearing within 14 days.Ennis, TX · May 22, 2026 · CourtListener
Detained children face measles, teen attempts suicide in Dilley, TexasFamilies and children held at the Dilley detention center faced worms and mold in food, a measles outbreak, and a 13-year-old girl denied anxiety medication who attempted suicide before deportation.Dilley, TX · Feb 27, 2026 · Boston Herald, Imprint News, News 4 San Antonio +13
At least seven children died in or after ICE custody, pediatrician saysChildren at the Dilley detention center have faced poor medical care and overcrowding, with a pediatrician reporting at least seven deaths, including a 5-year-old found with a cord around his neck.Dilley, TX · Feb 8, 2026 · Associated Press, SA Current, U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee +2
Dilley detainees, many of them children, protest 5-year-old's detentionDetainees at a Texas family detention center, including children, protested in solidarity with 5-year-old Liam Ramos, who was taken into custody after being removed from a car in his driveway.Dilley, TX · Jan 24, 2026 · Associated Press, TPR, KSAT +2
Génesis G.C. and Karen G.C.: 5-year-old U.S. citizen deported to Honduras with mother after ICE detentionGénesis Ester Gutiérrez Castellanos, a 5-year-old U.S. citizen from Austin who misses her classmates and kindergarten teachers, was deported to Honduras with her mother after being held incommunicado for nearly a week.Austin, TX · Jan 11, 2026 · The Guardian, MSN, CNN +6
Mother of teen beaten by ICE deported days after family spoke outTeresa de Jesus Ochoa Briseño, a cook arrested outside her Alamo restaurant, was deported to Mexico the same day, ten days after her son Luis, 17, said agents broke his wrist.Alamo, TX · Sep 11, 2025 · Newsweek, International Business Times, CRBC News +2
At least three detainees died, measles spread at ICE's Camp East MontanaDetainees sued ICE over conditions at Camp East Montana, a Fort Bliss facility, citing at least three deaths, a monthlong measles outbreak, and claims of medical neglect and abuse.Fort Bliss, TX · Aug 2025 · The New Yorker, USA Today, Texas Tribune +2- Jonathan: Australian with valid work visa detained, insulted, deported returning from sister's memorialJonathan, an Australian who had lived on the US east coast for nearly a decade, was detained over 36 hours returning from his sister's memorial, insulted by an officer, and deported, leaving his partner and work behind.Houston, TX · Mar 2025 · The Guardian, Debate Politics, Havana Times +2
Mayfreed D.A.: Venezuelan barber says Guantanamo guards beat him, denied lawyers before deportationA Venezuelan barber was transferred to Guantanamo Bay in February 2025, where he says he was beaten, denied attorney and family calls, and attempted suicide twice before being deported to Venezuela.El Paso, TX · Feb 20, 2025 · ProPublica, BBC, NPR- Immigrants sent to Guantanamo camp cut off from lawyers and familiesFamilies sued after relatives, including 25-year-old Yoiker David Sequera, were flown from El Paso to a new 30,000-bed detention camp at Guantanamo Bay with no lawyer access or outside contact.El Paso, TX · Feb 12, 2025 · USA Today, USA Today, Associated Press
Virginia
Washington
Eduardo A.E.: Seattle contractor married to U.S. citizen detained by ICE, flown to TexasEduardo Aguirre Esparza, a 53-year-old small business owner married to a U.S. citizen after 20 years here, was detained by about 20 agents while remodeling a home and flown to Texas without seeing a judge.Seattle, WA · Aug 6, 2026 · KVI, Common Dreams, Ghost Archive +8
Kennedy O.: UW PhD student and 13-year-old son deported by CBP without a lawyerKennedy Orwa, a University of Washington PhD student researching AI in health systems, was detained at Sea-Tac Airport and deported to Kenya with his 13-year-old son after his visa was revoked.Seattle, WA · Apr 10, 2026 · Daily UW, WSWS
Location not tied to one state
Orville E.: Jamaican green card holder deported to Eswatini, isolated in maximum-security prisonOrville Etoria, 62, a Jamaican green card holder who earned a theology degree and worked at a shelter after completing his sentence, was deported to Eswatini instead of Jamaica and held in isolation at a maximum-security prison.“Before his shocking deportation, Mr. Etoria had been living in New York, following the law and reporting regularly to ICE under an order of supervision. When ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] asked him to obtain a Jamaican passport earlier this year, he complied. But instead of removing him to Jamaica, as his documentation clearly allowed and as common sense would dictate, the U.S. government inexplicably and illegally sent him to Eswatini,” — his attorney, Mia UngerMatsapha, Eswatini · Oct 8, 2026 · El País, Third Country Deportation Watch, American Immigration Council +4
Tesfay T.: Ethiopian torture survivor shackled and deported to Cameroon by ICETesfay, a 35-year-old Ethiopian torture survivor granted protection from deportation, was pressured into signing removal papers and flown to Cameroon chained at the wrists, legs and stomach for the entire flight.Oct 8, 2026 · Human Rights Watch
Roberto M.P.: Father of four deported to Eswatini, imprisoned over a year without chargesRoberto Mosquera del Peral, 59, a Cuban plumber and father of four who came to the U.S. in the 1980 Mariel boatlift, was deported without consent to Eswatini and has been jailed over a year without charges.Eswatini · Sep 19, 2026 · PBS, CiberCuba, Cuba Headlines +2
Samson B.: Eritrean refugee deported to Equatorial Guinea beaten, held without lawyer accessSamson Birhane, a refugee who came to the U.S. at 13, was deported to Equatorial Guinea and beaten alongside fellow deportee Ahmed Soliman after documenting abuse at a detention site. Both remain jailed without lawyer access.Malabo, Equatorial Guinea · Sep 11, 2026 · The Guardian, Business Insider Africa, Amnesty International +2
Natalie H.: Jamaican pastor deported while court case pending, held indefinitely in Equatorial GuineaNatalie Holmes, 51, a Jamaican pastor, says she was deported to Equatorial Guinea in June while her case was still pending. She remains among 29 people held at a decommissioned hotel, reporting assaults by armed guards.Sep 8, 2026 · Tucson.com, Amandla News, Just Security +1
Five fathers handcuffed by ICE in front of children while campingFive fathers, husbands and uncles from one extended Mexican family were handcuffed before children during a Labor Day camping trip near Granite Falls, Washington. They remain held in Tacoma.WA · Sep 5, 2026 · Substack, Eyes On Ice, Seattle Chinese Radio +4
Milo Y.: Former Breitbart editor detained by ICE, deported to UK within a dayMilo Yiannopoulos, a 41-year-old British former Breitbart editor, was detained at a New Orleans airport and deported to the UK within about 24 hours, despite holding a green card through marriage.LA · Aug 30, 2026 · TMZ, CNN, BBC +23- More than 450 Haitians deported to Cap-Haïtien since TPS ended in JulyA flight carrying 57 Haitians, including five children, landed in Cap-Haïtien, part of more than 450 deportations since protected status ended. Former nursing assistants and laborers arrived with about $77 each and no reintegration support.Aug 27, 2026 · Just Security, Human Rights Watch
Daniel: 18-year-old beaten by ICE agents, left with broken wrist and swollen eyeDaniel, 18, was pulled from a parked car outside a Colorado 7-Eleven and beaten by ICE officers, leaving him with a broken wrist, cuts, and an eye swollen shut for days.CO · Aug 26, 2026 · ACLU Colorado
Matthew P.: American journalist detained for hours at airport by CBP, denied lawyerMatthew Petti, a Reason journalist, was held for about four hours at a U.S. airport returning with his newlywed wife, denied access to a lawyer, and never told why he was detained.Aug 25, 2026 · Yahoo News, Reason, Qoshe +1
1-year-old told to file asylum application alone as hired attorney stayed silentA 1-year-old migrant child was ordered to file a 12-page asylum application alone in Arizona court after the hired attorney present never spoke on the child's behalf.“HHS is trying to give a contract to a nonprofit that is highly problematic in their history and has no expertise in providing legal services to unaccompanied children. This all to me boils down to children are going to be harmed and that seems to be the point of a lot of these actions.” — Michael Lukens, director of the Amica Center for Immigrant RightsAug 21, 2026 · Notus, U.S. House of Representatives, Maga Report Cards
Carlos R.L.: Cuban father deported to Equatorial Guinea without passportCarlos Rodríguez López, a Cuban father with a nine-year-old daughter and a U.S. citizen wife in Miami Gardens, was deported on a diverted flight and held in Malabo without a passport or legal help.LA · Aug 20, 2026 · Telemundo, CiberCuba, Cuba Headlines +2
Venezuelan man chained on deportation flight to Liberia, separated from familyA 45-year-old Venezuelan wind-energy worker was detained at a routine check-in, shackled hand and foot for a 15-hour flight to Liberia, and separated from his wife and children, who remain in the U.S.Aug 19, 2026 · El País, Distant News- Marco R.H.: Colorado man deported to Mexico by ICE despite order barring his removalMarco Uriel Rodriguez Hernandez was deported to Mexico despite a judge's order barring his removal, after being secretly transferred to Texas and denied contact with his attorney. A judge ordered officials to facilitate his return.TX · Aug 8, 2026 · Denver Gazette, Colorado Politics
Shackled Nigerian man put in full-body restraint during ICE deportation to GhanaA Nigerian man was restrained in a full-body WRAP device during a September deportation flight to Ghana, despite being shackled and asking to speak with attorneys.Jul 25, 2026 · Associated Press, The Indiana Lawyer, Wired Jamaica +2- Four men deported to Eswatini denied lawyer visits for 9 monthsFour men from Cuba, Yemen, Laos and Vietnam, deported to Eswatini with no ties there, were denied lawyers for nine months. Eswatini's Supreme Court ruled in April 2026 they have the right to meet counsel.Eswatini · Apr 10, 2026 · Twin Cities, Clear Press, Time News +3
Roberto M.: Cuban and Yemeni men deported to Eswatini, imprisoned nine months without chargesA Cuban man and a Yemeni man, among five deported to Eswatini, have been imprisoned there without charges since July 2025, though a court recently granted them access to a lawyer.Apr 10, 2026 · The Guardian, El País, Third Country Deportation Watch +11- Eight migrants deported to Cameroon and held without access to lawyersEight migrants from countries including Kenya, Senegal, and Ethiopia were deported to Cameroon in February 2026 without legal counsel. They were held in Yaoundé with inadequate food and pressured to return to their home countries.Yaoundé, CM · Feb 16, 2026 · El País
14 migrants deported to Ghana on military plane, four put in straitjacketsFourteen people, including four forced into straitjackets for refusing to board without lawyers, were deported to Ghana on military aircraft and held at a military camp with little food or water.Sep 4, 2025 · El País, PBS, Associated Press
Seven deportees sent to Rwanda, identities and charges concealed by administrationSeven people deported to Rwanda in early August 2025 remain unidentified, with their lawyers saying they are held in isolation, unaware of the charges against them, and fear torture.Aug 28, 2025 · El País, Third Country Deportation Watch, American Immigration Council +3
Somali asylum seekers told by ICE they'd go home, sent to GuantanamoSeveral Somali asylum seekers, including a truck driver and a mechanic, were told they'd be deported home but flown to Guantánamo Bay instead, where they remain shackled.Aug 28, 2025 · Mother Jones, Down Ballot, HCN Times +2- Five migrants deported to Eswatini, held in maximum-security prison without chargeFive migrants from Jamaica, Cuba, Laos, Vietnam and Yemen were deported to Eswatini and held without charge in a maximum-security prison. One, Cuban national Roberto Mosquera, remains there though he has no family, friends, or crimes in the country.Jul 15, 2025 · El País, PBS, Associated Press
Southeast Asian migrants deported to Eswatini held in isolation without explanationTwo Southeast Asian men deported to Eswatini in July 2025 are held in isolation in a maximum-security prison without lawyers or explanation, despite wanting to return to Vietnam and Laos.Jul 1, 2025 · El País, Third Country Deportation Watch, American Immigration Council +3
Dual citizen detained at California job, held four days without lawyerA dual U.S.-Mexican citizen was detained while working at a California job in June 2025 and held for four days with no access to a lawyer or his family.CA · Jun 1, 2025 · ProPublica, Investigative Post
Immigrants held by ICE in Miami prison report ignored medical complaints, cockroachesDetainees moved to Miami's Federal Detention Center describe cockroach infestations, overflowing toilets, extreme heat and ignored medical complaints, with the facility's population rising after fires near Krome.May 1, 2025 · The Guardian, Miami Herald
Pregnant mother and 2-year-old U.S. citizen daughter deported to Honduras by ICEA pregnant mother and her 2-year-old U.S. citizen daughter were deported to Honduras after she was given under two minutes to decide by phone, with attorneys saying consent was forced.Apr 28, 2025 · NBC News, AOL, Newser +1
U.S. citizen child with Stage 4 cancer deported to Honduras without medicationA 4-year-old U.S. citizen with Stage 4 cancer and his 7-year-old sister were deported to Honduras with their mother without his medication. Attorneys say the mother never consented or spoke with lawyers beforehand.Apr 25, 2025 · NBC News, AOL, Newser +1- Migrants flown to Guantanamo denied lawyer access as tent camps expandRoughly 100 immigrant detainees, mostly Venezuelan, have been flown to Guantanamo Bay since February 2025, with at least three having no criminal history beyond unauthorized entry.Feb 4, 2025 · Texas Tribune, BBC, CNN +2