The issue of a green card holder detained ICE has sparked significant attention in recent months, as lawful permanent residents face increased scrutiny under current U.S. immigration policies. Stories of long-term residents, some with decades of legal residency, being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have raised concerns about fairness, due process, and the impact on families. These incidents, often tied to past minor convictions or alleged immigration violations, highlight a complex and evolving landscape for green card holders. In this article, we explore the latest developments surrounding green card holders detained by ICE, focusing on real-time cases, policy shifts, and their broader implications.
Victor Avila’s Detention Shocks Community
One of the most recent cases involves Victor Avila, a 66-year-old green card holder detained ICE after returning from a trip to Japan on May 7, 2025. Avila, who has lived in the U.S. since 1967, was apprehended at San Francisco International Airport following a visit to his son, a U.S. Air Force servicemember. His detention stems from a 2009 misdemeanor for DUI and drug possession, for which he served time and paid fines. Despite renewing his green card twice since then, Avila’s case underscores a growing trend of ICE targeting legal residents with resolved criminal records. His daughter, Carina Mejia, described him as a hardworking legal assistant and family man, emphasizing the emotional toll on their family. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $20,000 to support his legal defense, with a deportation hearing scheduled for July 15, 2025, in Bakersfield, California.
Policy Shifts Fueling Detentions
The current administration’s immigration crackdown has intensified scrutiny on green card holders. New protocols, including robust social media monitoring and ideological vetting, have led to detentions based on past convictions or perceived threats to national interests. For instance, ICE has invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 in some cases, a controversial move criticized for bypassing due process. Over 100,000 individuals have reportedly been deported since early 2025, with green card holders increasingly caught in the net. Immigration attorneys note that even minor, decades-old offenses, like marijuana possession, can trigger detention, as federal law often conflicts with state-level decriminalization.
Key Point Summary
- Recent Case: Victor Avila, a 66-year-old green card holder, detained by ICE in May 2025 for a 2009 misdemeanor.
- Policy Impact: Intensified ICE enforcement targets legal residents with past convictions, using laws like the Alien Enemies Act.
- Community Response: Families and advocates are raising funds and awareness to challenge detentions and seek legal remedies.
Other Notable Cases of Green Card Holder Detained ICE
Beyond Avila, several green card holders have faced ICE detention in 2025. Fabian Schmidt, a German national and New Hampshire resident, was detained in March at Boston Logan Airport over a 2015 marijuana possession charge that had been dismissed. After nearly two months in custody, including reported harsh treatment, Schmidt was released in May following a judge’s ruling. Similarly, Lewelyn Dixon, a 64-year-old Filipino green card holder, was detained in February at Seattle-Tacoma Airport due to a 2001 embezzlement conviction. She was released in May after three months, with her case highlighting the emotional strain on families. Maximo Londonio, detained in Seattle in May, also faced scrutiny over nonviolent convictions, reflecting a pattern of targeting long-term residents.
Rights and Risks for Green Card Holders
Green card holders have specific rights but face significant risks during ICE encounters. They cannot be denied entry to the U.S., but CBP officers can detain them if they suspect deportability, often due to criminal records. Legal experts advise carrying a copy of your green card and avoiding signing any documents, like Form I-407, without legal counsel. Prolonged absences from the U.S. (over 180 days) or failure to maintain ties, such as paying taxes, can also trigger scrutiny. Advocacy groups stress the importance of knowing your rights, including remaining silent and requesting an attorney, to navigate these encounters safely.
Community and Legal Responses
The detention of green card holders has sparked outrage and action. Community rallies, like one planned by Tanggol Migrante WA in Tacoma, demand the release of detained residents. Legal aid organizations, such as the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, are providing representation, arguing that many detentions lack due process. Families are turning to crowdfunding to cover legal fees, as seen in Avila’s and Schmidt’s cases. Immigration attorneys warn that the current climate requires green card holders to assess travel risks carefully, especially if they have any criminal history, no matter how minor or resolved.
What Lies Ahead for Green Card Holders?
The ongoing detentions signal a challenging period for green card holders. The administration’s focus on deporting individuals with criminal histories, even nonviolent ones, has created fear among legal residents. Immigration lawyers recommend consulting with legal experts before international travel and maintaining thorough documentation of U.S. ties. As cases like Avila’s gain attention, advocacy groups are pushing for legislative reforms to protect long-term residents. The debate over these policies continues, with critics arguing they erode due process and supporters claiming they strengthen national security.
Stay informed about your rights as a green card holder and consider consulting an immigration attorney if you plan to travel internationally. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below to join the conversation and support affected families.