Indian-origin interpreter Meenu Batra, 53, was detained by ICE in Texas despite decades of work authorisation under withholding of removal. Authorities cite a 2000 deportation order, while her lawyers argue she was given no warning. Held at El Valle Detention Center, she faces uncertain deportation as emergency court petitions and a humanitarian parole request remain pending

Meenu Batra, a 53-year-old Indian-origin legal interpreter and reportedly the only Texas court-certified professional fluent in Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sparking debate over immigration enforcement and humanitarian protections.

Batra was arrested on March 17 at Harlingen International Airport while travelling for a court assignment. Immigration authorities claim she is subject to a final deportation order issued in 2000. Her lawyers, however, argue she has legally lived and worked in the United States for decades under withholding of removal, a protection granted after she fled violence in India.

She is currently being held at the El Valle Detention Center, where her legal team says she has not received consistent medical care following recent surgery.

DHS position vs defence claims