Indian Grandmother Detained by ICE Despite Court Order

An Indian-origin grandmother and special-needs teacher who has lived lawfully in the United States for 27 years has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, months after an immigration judge terminated a deportation case against her. Venkata Vasamsetty, a Green Card holder, was taken into custody during a scheduled check-in on August 11 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is now being held at the Irwin County Detention Center in Georgia.

Vasamsetty's detention stems from a years-long dispute over her residency status. In July 2022, she traveled to India to care for her ailing parents. Her return was delayed after she contracted COVID-19 and was hospitalized for nearly two weeks. She eventually returned to the U.S. in February 2023, after an absence of about seven months. Under U.S. immigration rules, an absence exceeding 180 days can trigger scrutiny over whether a permanent resident intends to abandon their status.

Federal authorities alleged that her extended stay indicated she had abandoned her lawful permanent residency. Her attorneys and family strongly disputed this, arguing she maintained strong ties to the U.S. through her employment, family, and a home...