Mother was allegedly trafficked to US and illegally detained by ICE while accused abuser is free, lawyers say [View all]

Source: The Guardian

A Venezuelan mother of two who was allegedly trafficked to the US has been unlawfully detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and could soon be deported, according to her lawyers.

The woman has applications in process for asylum and a visa designed for victims of trafficking.

But she was arrested at a routine check-in with the authorities this January and separated from her two children, aged 18 months and four. Meanwhile, her alleged trafficker – who, according to a habeas petition filed in court, allegedly lured her to the US after impregnating her and under the false promises of living “together as a family” – is free.

A crucial hearing in the coming weeks could determine her fate.

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/25/mother-trafficking-ice-detained