Indian-Origin Woman Detained by ICE in Texas Claims Mistreatment
Indian-origin woman, with son in US army, held by ICE; 24 hours no food, photographed in cuffs: ‘Treated like criminal’
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Meenu Batra, a 53-year-old Indian-origin woman and licensed court interpreter in Texas, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for 24 hours without food or medication. Her son, a US Army recruit, is advocating for her release as legal battles continue over her immigration status.
- 01Meenu Batra was detained by ICE in Texas, alleging mistreatment during her arrest.
- 02She was held for 24 hours without food or medication after her arrest at Harlingen International Airport.
- 03Batra has lived in the US for over 35 years after fleeing anti-Sikh violence in India.
- 04Her son, a recent US Army recruit, is advocating for her release.
- 05A federal court is set to hear her habeas corpus petition regarding her detention.
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Meenu Batra, a 53-year-old Indian-origin woman and licensed court interpreter in Texas, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 17 at Harlingen International Airport while traveling for work. Batra claims she was held for 24 hours without food or water and denied medication for several days. During her detention at the El Valle Detention Centre in Raymondville, she alleges that officers made her pose for photographs while handcuffed, which she described as humiliating. Batra has lived in the US for over 35 years after fleeing anti-Sikh violence in India in the 1980s. Her legal status allows her to avoid deportation to India but not to a third country. Her son, who recently enlisted in the US Army, is actively seeking parole for her release. The Department of Homeland Security stated that Batra has a final order of removal from an immigration judge dating back to 2000. Batra's lawyers argue that her detention violates due process, and a federal court is expected to hear her petition soon, with the government required to respond by April 21.
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Batra's case highlights the challenges faced by immigrants in the US, particularly regarding detention practices and due process rights.
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