ICE Detains Texas Mother of Four for 45 Days; Judge Orders Release
"No one is safe." – Meenu Batra
A federal judge ordered the release of Meenu Batra, a 53-year-old single mother of four from Texas, on April 30, after she was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for 45 days. The judge ruled she had been held for "no discernible reason."
Arrested at the Airport
Batra was arrested on March 17 at a Texas airport while traveling to Milwaukee for work as a court translator. Born in India, she has been living and working legally in the U.S. for decades. She entered the country as a teenager and was granted "withholding of removal" status after her parents were killed in violence against Sikhs in India. This status does not allow her to apply for citizenship.
A Potential Path to Citizenship
Batra’s son joined the U.S. Army, providing a potential path to citizenship for his mother.
Fear of Re-Detention
Following her release, Batra expressed fear of being detained again, stating, "No one is safe." She said she believes in the system and that she has the proper documents. Batra also noted that the majority of women she met in detention are not violent criminals.
DHS Response
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Batra is an illegal alien, received a final order of removal in 2000, and was arrested during a targeted enforcement operation. DHS called the judge "activist" and said it will continue to seek her removal.
Batra's Reply
Batra characterized the DHS statement as "very disrespectful to the judges and judiciary."
Pending Legal Challenge
Batra's habeas corpus petition against the U.S. government, challenging the legality of her detention, is still pending.