A U.S. citizen in Chicago was reportedly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents despite carry documentation that proved their citizenship. The individual in question was detained and interrogated for roughly an hour by ICE agents that confronted them outside their workplace. The incident raises question on the extent ICE relies on methods like racial profiling to identify possible undocumented immigrants.

The incident is the latest in a slew of cases regarding citizens detained or questioned by immigration enforcement agents. During the incident in Chicago, the individual provided their U.S. passport to the ICE agents questioning her. She claims the agents then questioned the authenticity of her passport. After asking why, the agents supposedly stated that she didn’t look like she’d have the last name listed on her passport. Allegedly, the agents kept questioning her even after explaining she was adopted. Agents reportedly went through her insurance, credit cards, and wallet before releasing her.

As immigration enforcement efforts in Chicago increase, scrutiny towards the methods of immigration enforcement agents has too. Given the increasingly strict immigration enforcement landscape, carrying proof of citizenship or legal status on hand offers the best chance of avoiding confrontation with immigration authorities. If approached by immigration authorities, do not resist or flee. Immigration authorities are federal agents and impeding their work in any way is a felony. The same goes for any U.S. citizens approached by immigration authorities.

As always, Immigration USA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, please contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws and policy updates. In an ever-evolving immigration landscape, we’re with you every step of the way.