Overview
- Jair Celis, 29, was detained on Dec. 2 inside the USCIS Salt Lake City office during what was to be his final green card interview, according to his attorney.
- Celis remains in ICE custody at a detention facility in Arizona, and his wife and lawyer say he has no criminal record and lawfully entered the U.S. as a child before overstaying a visa.
- Attorney Andy Armstrong said a bond request supported by about 75 character statements has been submitted for an immigration judge’s review.
- Dozens of people protested outside the USCIS building on Dec. 8, and organizers said they monitored appointments that day and saw no new detentions.
- News reports place the Utah case within a broader pattern of ICE arrests at routine immigration appointments that has drawn criticism and increased scrutiny of enforcement at USCIS sites.