Indian-origin court interpreter detained by ICE at Texas airport

A 53-year-old Indian-origin immigration court interpreter, Meenu Batra, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at an airport in South Texas last month, according to a report by The Texas Observer.

According to details cited in a habeas corpus petition filed on her behalf, Batra was stopped by ICE agents shortly after clearing airport security. In her deposition, she indicated that the agents were not in uniform and questioned her about her immigration status, specifically referring to an earlier deportation order.

Batra reportedly informed the officers that she held valid work authorisation under a withholding of removal status granted years ago by an immigration judge. However, the agents maintained that such authorisation did not guarantee indefinite stay in the country and proceeded to detain her. She was then escorted out of the airport by multiple officers.

In her account to The Texas Observer, Batra suggested that she chose to comply with the officers to avoid escalation or public confrontation, particularly given the circumstances at a busy airport.

Her legal representatives have argued that the action appeared targeted, describing her as a long-time resident with a largely clean record. They contend that her detention raises serious concerns about the application of immigration enforcement policies, especially for individuals with longstanding legal protections.

The report notes that recent policy directions have expanded enforcement against individuals with final deportation orders, even if they hold protections such as withholding of removal. While such status prevents deportation to a country where an individual may face persecution, it does not provide a pathway to permanent residency and leaves prior removal orders in place.

Batra had migrated to the United States decades ago after fleeing anti-Sikh violence in India during the 1980s. Her work as a court interpreter has since supported immigrants navigating the legal system, often in situations similar to her own past experience.