San Diego, California, November 24, 2025
San Diego immigration attorneys report multiple cases of clients being detained by ICE agents during USCIS interviews. These unprecedented detentions, affecting individuals pursuing legal residency, have alarmed attorneys and lawmakers. Major concerns surround the impact on trust in the immigration process, with local lawmakers seeking clarification from Homeland Security officials. Individuals are encouraged to understand their legal rights and seek assistance from legal resources amidst growing uncertainty.
San Diego, California – Immigration Attorneys Report Client Detentions at USCIS Interviews
San Diego immigration attorneys have reported multiple instances of clients being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during their U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) interviews. These detentions have raised significant concerns among legal professionals and local lawmakers.
Details of Recent Detentions
Beginning on November 12, 2025, several individuals seeking legal permanent residency were detained by ICE agents at the USCIS office in San Diego. Notably, these individuals were spouses, parents, or children of U.S. citizens with no prior criminal records. In at least six reported cases, detentions occurred near the conclusion of their final interviews for legal permanent residency. For example, a woman from the United Kingdom was arrested while holding her 6-month-old son, and an 18-year-old from Mexico was detained during the interview with his parents. All detained individuals had previously overstayed their visas, a situation traditionally not resulting in detention during the green card process. Immigration attorneys have stated that such detentions are unprecedented in their experience.
Responses from Lawmakers
In response to these detentions, three members of Congress—Representatives Sara Jacobs, Juan Vargas, and Mike Levin—expressed deep concern. They sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, seeking clarification on the rationale behind ICE’s actions during these interviews. The lawmakers emphasized that detaining individuals pursuing legal immigration pathways increases fear and distrust in the government, potentially leading to more people avoiding immigration interviews and other legal processes.
Background Context
Traditionally, individuals who overstayed their visas but are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens have been eligible for green cards without facing detention. The recent actions by ICE agents during USCIS interviews mark a significant shift in enforcement practices. Immigration attorneys have noted that such detentions are unprecedented, indicating a change in how immigration laws are being enforced in San Diego.
Legal Rights and Resources
Individuals facing similar situations are encouraged to seek legal counsel. The San Diego County Bar Association offers a Lawyer Referral Service, which can be reached at 800-464-1529 or 619-231-8585. Additionally, the San Diego County Office of the Public Defender provides resources and assistance for those in need.
Conclusion
The recent detentions of individuals during USCIS interviews in San Diego have raised significant concerns among immigration attorneys and lawmakers. These developments underscore the importance of understanding one’s legal rights and seeking appropriate legal assistance when navigating the immigration process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened during the recent USCIS interviews in San Diego?
Beginning on November 12, 2025, several individuals seeking legal permanent residency were detained by ICE agents at the USCIS office in San Diego. These individuals were spouses, parents, or children of U.S. citizens with no prior criminal records. Detentions occurred near the conclusion of their final interviews for legal permanent residency.
Why were these individuals detained?
The individuals had previously overstayed their visas. Traditionally, such overstays, especially when the individual is an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, did not result in detention during the green card process. The recent actions by ICE agents during USCIS interviews mark a significant shift in enforcement practices.
What have lawmakers said about these detentions?
Representatives Sara Jacobs, Juan Vargas, and Mike Levin sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, expressing deep concern over ICE’s actions during these interviews. They emphasized that detaining individuals pursuing legal immigration pathways increases fear and distrust in the government, potentially leading to more people avoiding immigration interviews and other legal processes.
What resources are available for individuals facing similar situations?
Individuals facing similar situations are encouraged to seek legal counsel. The San Diego County Bar Association offers a Lawyer Referral Service, which can be reached at 800-464-1529 or 619-231-8585. Additionally, the San Diego County Office of the Public Defender provides resources and assistance for those in need.
Key Features of the Recent USCIS Interview Detentions in San Diego
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | November 12, 2025 |
| Location | USCIS office, San Diego, California |
| Individuals Detained | Spouses, parents, or children of U.S. citizens with no prior criminal records |
| Reason for Detention | Overstayed visas; detentions occurred near the conclusion of final interviews for legal permanent residency |
| Lawmakers’ Response | Representatives Sara Jacobs, Juan Vargas, and Mike Levin expressed deep concern and sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem |
| Legal Resources | San Diego County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: 800-464-1529 or 619-231-8585; San Diego County Office of the Public Defender |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
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