World Immigration News

Lawyers warn clients of increased arrest risk at immigration check-ins

Release Date: 2025-04-24
Media: WUSF
Summary: Jessica Rodriguez Aguilar, a U.S. citizen, and her undocumented husband Josue Aguilar attended a routine immigration interview in Miami, hoping to take a step toward legalizing his status. Despite a smooth interview and case approval for the I-130 petition (used to prove a legitimate marital relationship), Josue was unexpectedly detained due to a deportation order issued in 2018.

Josue, who came to the U.S. as a 14-year-old seeking asylum from gang violence in Honduras, has no criminal record. He and Jessica have been married for three years and have a 2-year-old son. They live a stable life—she works at a law office, he manages a restaurant, and they run a small business.

Under the Biden administration, individuals like Josue were previously considered low-priority for deportation. However, immigration attorneys report a rise in on-the-spot arrests during routine appointments. Attorney Valerie Crespo, representing Josue, says four of her clients were detained recently, and fears of detention are causing many immigrants to skip their hearings. One judge reported 15 no-shows in a single day.

Josue has been transferred to a detention facility in Texas. Crespo has requested a stay of deportation and argues that his case—being married to a U.S. citizen and having a U.S. citizen child—should offer him hope.

While Crespo advises clients to follow the law and attend their immigration appointments, she now also warns them: they may be detained even when doing everything right.
Tags: USA

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