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ICE targets South Asians for removal from United States

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July 15, 2026

Meenu Batra spent decades working as a court interpreter in the US immigration system. Then ICE detained her for 45 days. Her story shows why South Asians can’t treat immigration enforcement as an issue for someone else.

Meenu Batra spent decades helping immigrants navigate the US legal system as a court interpreter in Texas. But, during a routine work trip, ICE detained her at an airport despite her legal status and long-standing protection from deportation. Batra's case highlights a broader trend: Arrests of Asian immigrants, particularly Indian nationals, have risen sharply. Advocates say growing numbers of immigrants with legal status are now facing increased scrutiny and uncertainty under US immigration enforcement.

Ramisha Ali Multimedia journalist reporting on stories from around the world.
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