The phrase “green card holder detained ICE” is trending as the United States experiences a surge in immigration enforcement actions targeting lawful permanent residents. Recent real-time reports from social media platforms and news outlets reveal that green card holders—many with deep roots in American communities—are being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at airports, during travel, and even at routine immigration appointments. These cases are fueling national conversations about the rights of legal residents and the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration policy.
Recent Cases: Green Card Holders in the Spotlight
Among the most recently reported cases is that of Victor Avila, a 66-year-old green card holder from Chula Vista, California. Avila, a resident since 1967, was detained by ICE at San Francisco International Airport upon returning from a family trip to Japan, where his son serves in the U.S. Air Force. While his wife was allowed to proceed, Avila was held in airport detention for weeks before being transferred to a facility near Bakersfield. His family asserts that his only legal issue was minor and years in the past, yet he remains separated from his loved ones.
Another case drawing attention involves Kasper Eriksen, a Danish citizen, green card holder, and father of four, married to a U.S. citizen. Eriksen was detained during his final interview for U.S. citizenship, despite having lived legally in the country since 2013 and having no criminal record. His detention shocked his family and community, and as of now, he remains in ICE custody without a scheduled court date.
Why Green Card Holders Are Being Detained
The increase in green card holder detentions by ICE is linked to intensified immigration enforcement under the current administration. Officials claim to target individuals with criminal records, but reports show that even those with old or minor offenses—or sometimes no criminal history at all—are being detained. Lewelyn Dixon, a 64-year-old Filipina and longtime University of Washington employee, was detained for nearly three months after returning from the Philippines. Dixon, a green card holder since childhood, was released only after a judge ruled against deportation, highlighting the unpredictability of these enforcement actions.
Kunal Oberoi’s experience further illustrates the risks for green card holders. He was detained for two months at Detroit Metro Airport due to a misdemeanor marijuana charge from 2018. Married to a U.S. citizen and father to American-born children, Oberoi was eventually released, but his story underscores the uncertainty facing many legal residents.
Key Points at a Glance
Green card holders with decades of legal residency are being detained by ICE at airports, during travel, and at immigration appointments. Detentions are often tied to old or minor criminal records, though some individuals have no criminal history. Families are experiencing emotional and financial hardship as legal residents are separated from their loved ones. The current administration’s immigration enforcement policies are driving this trend, with over 100,000 deportations reported in early 2025. Legal challenges and community support are crucial in securing the release of many detainees.
Community Reactions and Calls for Transparency
The detention of green card holders by ICE has prompted outrage and fear within immigrant communities. Families often receive little information about the reasons for detention or the legal process. Some individuals are held for weeks or months without a clear court date, as seen with Kasper Eriksen and Victor Avila. Community organizations, legal advocates, and elected officials are demanding greater transparency and due process for green card holders caught in these enforcement actions.
Social media platforms such as YouTube and Instagram are amplifying these stories, with families sharing their experiences and rallying support for loved ones in detention. Videos of emotional reunions and courtroom releases, like the widely shared footage of Lewelyn Dixon’s release, are drawing attention to the human impact of these policies.
What’s Next for Green Card Holders?
As enforcement actions continue, green card holders are advised to carry all relevant documentation when traveling and to consult with immigration attorneys if they have any prior legal issues. The uncertainty surrounding these detentions has left many questioning whether it is safe to leave the country, even for short trips or family visits.
Legal experts stress that green card holders have rights, including the right to a hearing before an immigration judge. However, the process can be lengthy and stressful, especially for those with limited resources or support networks.
Engaging Conclusion
The phrase “green card holder detained ICE” is more than a news headline—it is a reality for thousands of families across the United States. As enforcement policies evolve, the stories of Victor Avila, Kasper Eriksen, Lewelyn Dixon, and others highlight the fragility of legal status in America. These individuals, who have built lives, careers, and families here, face the very real possibility of being separated from everything they know.
If you or someone you know is a green card holder and concerned about detention or deportation, seek legal advice immediately. Stay informed, stay prepared, and join the conversation to advocate for fair treatment and due process for all legal residents.
Share your story and support others affected by these developments on social media using the hashtag #GreenCardHolderDetained.