'American dream or...trap?': ICE detaining people during green card interviews
28 Nov 2025

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has started detaining people during green card interviews at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices, per US media reports.

This new policy mainly targets those who have overstayed their visas.

Immigration attorneys have reported multiple cases of clients, including spouses of American citizens with no criminal records, being arrested during these interviews.

Attorneys report multiple detentions at San Diego USCIS office
Legal concerns

Saman Nasseri, an immigration attorney, said five of his clients were detained last week at the San Diego USCIS office. He stressed that none of them had any criminal history or prior arrests.

"None of my clients have any arrests or criminal history," he said.

Habib Hasbini, another immigration attorney, also confirmed similar experiences with his clients. He said these detentions seem limited to the San Diego USCIS office and advised people to be prepared for potential detentions during interviews.

ICE detains individuals, including spouses of US citizens
Detained individuals

Reports from The Mirror also indicate that ICE agents have been entering green card interview rooms in San Diego and arresting at least two immigrants in front of their American spouses.

In one case, Audrey Hestmark described ICE agents handcuffing her husband, Tom Bilger.

"Three men with masks and bulletproof vests and guns came in and told us they were going to arrest Tom," she said.

Another incident involved Stephen Paul witnessing the arrest of his British wife, Katie.

ICE emphasizes enforcement of federal immigration laws
Agency statement

When asked about this, ICE said in a statement that the agency "is committed to enforcing federal immigration laws through targeted operations that prioritize national security, public safety, and border security."

The spokesperson said individuals unlawfully present in the US may face arrest, detention, and removal under US immigration law.

They also mentioned self-deportation as an option for those living illegally in the country.

What next
Immigration impact

The situation is expected to get worse, as President Donald Trump has announced a series of immigration reforms.

The proposals include a "permanent pause" on migration from all Third World countries and what he calls "reverse migration."

The proposals come after an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, shot two National Guard members near the White House. One died on Friday.

After the shooting, the administration imposed an indefinite ban on immigration requests involving Afghan nationals.