UPDATE: ICE agents have begun arresting military spouses during green card interviews in San Diego, igniting outrage and feelings of betrayal among veterans and their families. This troubling development, which started on November 12, 2023, raises serious questions about the legality and fairness of such actions.
During a routine green card interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Chanidaphon Sopimpa was handcuffed and detained by ICE agents, marking a distressing end to a process meant to secure legal residency. The situation escalated quickly, leaving Sopimpa in tears as she was taken into custody. Her husband, Samuel Shasteen, a retired Marine with two deployments to Afghanistan, expressed profound disappointment, stating, “I feel betrayed after dedicating decades to serve this country.”
The arrests, which have targeted individuals during the final stages of the immigration process, have been justified by ICE on the grounds of visa overstays. However, immigration attorneys, including Derek Poulsen, argue that there are legal protections for direct relatives of U.S. citizens, especially those like Sopimpa who are actively pursuing green cards.
Shasteen described the arrest as unnecessary, emphasizing that their case was straightforward. He criticized the information provided by immigration officials as “ICE propaganda,” questioning the motives behind the detentions. The emotional toll on military families is significant, with many feeling abandoned at a critical moment in their lives.
Another attorney, William Menard, shared incidents of similar arrests, including that of an Australian spouse of a Navy veteran, underscoring the anxiety these actions have caused within military communities. The impact is being felt widely, with military families expressing deep sorrow and frustration.
In a flicker of hope, an immigration judge has ordered Sopimpa’s release on bond, highlighting the potential for relief through legal channels. However, the purpose of her detention remains unclear, prompting calls for accountability and transparency from ICE. Families affected by these arrests are now coming together, with Shasteen leading a support group to help others navigate this distressing situation.
The ongoing actions of ICE in San Diego have sparked national debate about immigration enforcement practices, particularly concerning vulnerable populations like military spouses. As this situation unfolds, many are left questioning the fairness of using such tactics during a critical legal process.
The community is rallying for change and advocating for fair treatment, as families strive to find stability amid chaos. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated; military families deserve protection and respect during their pursuit of citizenship.
The public is urged to stay informed as developments continue to emerge. This is a story that affects not just those directly involved, but also the integrity of the immigration system as a whole.
