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ICE Arrests Reported at San Diego Green Card Interviews, Attorneys Say

Attorneys call the tactic unprecedented at a USCIS office traditionally used for adjudication.

Overview

  • Multiple attorneys say ICE detained at least three people during routine immigration interviews at the USCIS San Diego office this week.
  • One 18-year-old was taken in handcuffs from a family’s appointment, held in the federal building’s basement and at Otay Mesa, and reached his father in a brief $53 phone call.
  • Attorney Tessa Cabrera says her longtime client with no criminal history was arrested at his green card interview and moved to Otay Mesa with a bond hearing set next week.
  • USCIS said it administers the immigration system and noted apprehensions can occur for outstanding warrants, removal orders, fraud, crimes or other violations.
  • ICE did not respond to repeated requests for comment, while advocates criticized the arrests and advised detainees not to sign documents and to seek a judge’s review.