Unexpected ICE Detention During Green Card Interview Sparks Fears for Los Angeles Family
A Los Angeles woman is grappling with the sudden detention of her husband by Immigration and customs Enforcement (ICE) during what should have been a routine green card interview. This case highlights a growing trend causing anxiety within immigrant communities and raising serious questions about due process.
Xelena Diaz recounts a terrifying experience, feeling “scared and alone” when her husband, Teaha Hwang, was unexpectedly taken into custody. She emphasizes the shock of the situation, stating, “You see everything on the news and you just never think that it’s gonna be you.”
A Lifelong Resident Detained
Teaha Hwang, who arrived in the United States at just three months old, has no criminal record. He and Diaz, married for ten months, believed they were diligently following all legal procedures by attending the scheduled interview. However, on October 29th, Hwang was transferred to the Adelanto detection Center.
Speaking by phone from detention, Hwang expressed his distress. “I wasn’t expecting to get arrested; it was very frightening to be honest,” he shared, adding, “I am very sad and depressed.”
A Concerning Trend in Immigration Enforcement
This case isn’t isolated. Immigration attorneys are reporting a important increase in individuals being detained during scheduled appointments with immigration officials.
Habib Hasbani, an immigration attorney, notes a palpable fear among potential applicants.”A lot of people are afraid to go to interviews now,” he explains. “They don’t want to go or… are making plans for if they get detained.”
Financial Strain and a Community Response
the couple had invested their savings into the green card application process. Now, they face the added burden of legal fees to secure Hwang’s release on bond.
To help alleviate this financial strain, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched by supporters. This demonstrates the community’s desire to reunite the couple and support their future.
Dreams Deferred: A Family’s Hope for Reunification
Diaz and Hwang share a vision for their future, one that includes education and building a family. She poignantly states, “I know he wants to go back to school and this is something so important to us, so him getting his green card so we can both better our lives and have a family.”
Unfortunately, Hwang’s next court hearing isn’t until March 2026, leaving the couple facing a long and uncertain road ahead. This prolonged separation underscores the emotional and practical challenges faced by many navigating the U.S. immigration system.
This situation serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the immigration process and the profound impact ICE detentions can have on families. It also highlights the importance of legal counsel and community support for those facing these challenges.
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