US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has escalated arrests at airports nationwide, focusing on immigrants with expired visas, pending asylum cases, and active work permits. This crackdown has affected many, including Kenyan nationals residing in the United States.
Who Is at Risk?
ICE’s intensified operations target a broad group of noncitizens. Those with final removal orders, expired visas, or unresolved immigration proceedings face increased risk. The agency has detained individuals even with pending court hearings or active asylum applications.
Notably, a Ugandan woman suffering from sickle cell anaemia was reportedly detained despite having an active asylum claim, highlighting the strict enforcement stance.
Guidance for Kenyan Nationals
Immigration attorneys caution Kenyans and other immigrants to avoid all travel unless absolutely necessary. Jazmin Preciado, an attorney with Centro Legal de la Raza in Oakland, advises noncitizens to carefully weigh travel risks during this period.
Legal experts emphasize that neither work permits nor pending asylum applications provide legal immunity from arrest or deportation. Consulting an immigration lawyer before any domestic or international travel is strongly recommended to mitigate detention risks.
Key Points
- ICE targets immigrants with expired visas, pending asylum, and final removal orders.
- Even individuals with active work permits and ongoing applications are vulnerable.
- Kenyan nationals in the US should avoid travel unless urgent and seek legal advice beforehand.
- Active applications or work authorizations do not guarantee protection from arrest.
