Joyce Basele, a 64-year-old Kenyan certified nursing assistant, has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after attending a routine appointment in Houston on June 18, 2026. Despite faithfully reporting to immigration authorities for over 14 years, she now faces a removal order that dates back to 2011 and a hefty $1.8 million fine.

Background and Immigration Status

Basele first entered the United States legally in 1995 on a visitor visa with her husband. After returning to Kenya, she re-entered the US on September 1, 2005, holding an R-2 dependent visa linked to her husband's R-1 religious worker status. Following their divorce, her immigration status lapsed, leading to a final removal order issued on June 22, 2011. Her appeal was dismissed the following year.

Instead of immediate deportation, Basele was placed on an order of supervision in August 2012, allowing her to remain in the US under strict monitoring and with work authorization. She complied with every Department of Homeland Security (DHS) check-in for over 14 years without fail, including the appointment that resulted in her arrest.

Family and Legal Challenges

Basele has been a vital part of the Houston family she worked for, providing childcare and caregiving for over a decade. Her employer, Maureen Mendrek-Laske, described her as "part of our family," highlighting the emotional strain caused by Basele's detention. Basele also has two adult children residing in the US.

Her attorney has raised concerns about the $1.8 million fine related to visa overstaying, questioning its legality given Basele's long-term authorized presence in the country. On July 23, a court granted a stay of deportation while a humanitarian petition proceeds, but Basele remains in ICE custody.

Current Situation

  • Basele is detained under a final removal order from 2011.
  • She faces a significant fine claimed to be for overstaying her visa.
  • A court has paused her deportation pending a humanitarian petition.
  • She continues to suffer physically in detention but receives regular visits from family.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson reaffirmed that Basele is considered an "illegal alien" subject to removal and will stay detained pending her deportation process.