Former Milwaukee police sergeant Charles Cross, despite a history of misconduct and inclusion on a Brady list, found employment with CoreCivic, a private ICE contractor. In his role as an “investigator,” Cross falsely claimed a Venezuelan asylum seeker was gang affiliated, leading to his deportation and imprisonment in El Salvador. This case highlights the broader issue of unlawful detention and human rights abuses within the U.S. immigration system under the Trump administration, facilitated by individuals like Cross who actively participate in such actions. The lack of accountability for these individuals raises concerns about the future and the need for justice.
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Aditya Harsono, a 33-year-old international student, was detained by ICE agents four days after his student visa was revoked based on a dismissed misdemeanor charge. His attorney believes his political activism contributed to this action, highlighting a concerning trend affecting F-1 visa holders. Despite a temporary release on bond, the Department of Homeland Security appealed the decision, leaving Harsono in ICE custody. The situation is further complicated by a pending I-130 application for permanent residency filed by his wife, Peyton.
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Kseniia Petrova, a Russian scientist granted a U.S. visa for genetics research at Harvard, was detained by ICE after allegedly failing to properly declare biological samples upon arrival. Despite fearing persecution in Russia for her anti-war stance, which includes prior arrest for calling for Putin’s impeachment, her visa was revoked, leading to her current detention in Louisiana. While the infraction involved frog embryo samples—legally importable but improperly documented—her colleagues and legal representation argue the severity of the punishment is disproportionate to the offense, given her safety concerns if returned to Russia. Petrova awaits an asylum hearing on May 7th.
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Lewelyn Dixon, a 64-year-old green card holder, is detained by ICE in Washington state following her return from the Philippines. Her detention stems from a 2001 non-violent conviction, despite her decades-long residency and current employment at the University of Washington. Her lawyer argues that her travel triggered her detention, a situation he considers unusual given her legal status. Dixon’s family is seeking her release, and a hearing is scheduled for July, though her lawyer is pushing for an earlier date.
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Wisconsin resident Bradley Bartell launched a GoFundMe campaign to secure his wife Camila Muñoz’s release from ICE custody. Muñoz, a Peruvian citizen, was detained upon returning from their honeymoon despite being married to a U.S. citizen and pursuing legal residency. Bartell, who voted for President Trump, expressed hope that this situation will highlight flaws in the immigration system. The fundraiser aims to cover legal fees and expedite Muñoz’s release from a Louisiana detention center.
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Since last summer, a shift in US asylum policy has led to increased detention of Russian and other post-Soviet asylum seekers, with some held for over a year, separated from families, and facing prolonged delays in court hearings. This contrasts sharply with prior practice under the Biden administration, where release pending hearings was the norm. The reasons for this change remain unclear, though speculation includes concerns about espionage and insufficient resources to process asylum claims. Several individuals have shared their experiences of prolonged detention and family separation, highlighting the difficulties faced by these asylum seekers.
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A Canadian citizen, working legally in the US on a NAFTA visa, was unexpectedly detained by ICE and held for two weeks without explanation. Despite having no criminal record and possessing a valid visa, she was subjected to a pat-down, interrogated, and transferred between detention centers, experiencing harsh conditions and witnessing the struggles of other detainees. Many of these women, also lacking criminal records, faced prolonged detention due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and the profit-driven nature of private detention facilities. The author’s experience highlights the systemic issues within ICE detention, exposing the suffering of countless individuals caught in a flawed system.
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Camila Muñoz, a Peruvian national legally working in the U.S. and married to a U.S. citizen, was detained by ICE at an airport despite being in the process of obtaining legal residency. This incident highlights the broadening scope of ICE enforcement under the current administration, impacting even those with no criminal record and in ongoing legal processes. Several similar cases involving women with no criminal history have been documented, raising concerns about the expanding reach of immigration enforcement. Muñoz’s detention, despite her husband’s vote for the current administration, underscores the unpredictable nature of the current immigration policies. The couple’s savings are now depleted by legal fees and a potential bond payment.
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U.S. Green Card holder Fabian Schmidt was detained at Logan Airport and subsequently held at an ICE facility after returning from Luxembourg. His mother alleges he was subjected to a violent interrogation, stripping, and a cold shower. While CBP cites potential visa violations as grounds for detention, Schmidt’s family disputes any serious legal issues, citing only a dismissed marijuana charge and a decade-old DUI. This incident highlights a broader trend of increased ICE scrutiny targeting even green card holders, potentially signifying a shift in immigration enforcement priorities.
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Fabian Schmidt, a New Hampshire resident with a recently renewed green card, was detained at Logan Airport and transferred to an ICE facility in Rhode Island. His family reports he was subjected to harsh interrogation, including a strip search and denial of food, water, and medication, resulting in hospitalization for influenza. While the reason for his detention remains unclear, past minor offenses, including a dismissed marijuana charge and a resolved DUI, are being investigated as potential grounds for deportation. Legal counsel has been secured, and efforts are underway to secure his release on bail.
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John Q. Hosedrinker