US EditionLongtime Courtroom Interpreter Detained by ICE Says She Worked in U.S. Legally for Decades: "You Can't Sleep because You're Afraid"
Batra’s lawyer says she was held without food or water for 24 hours, and DHS says she has a final removal order from 2000.
- On March 17, federal immigration agents detained Meenu Batra, a 53-year-old court interpreter, at Harlingen International Airport in Texas. Batra remains in custody at the El Valle Detention Center while her lawyers challenge the arrest.
- The Trump administration's directive to target individuals with final deportation orders prompted the arrest. Although Batra was granted "withholding of removal" in 2000, the Department of Homeland Security claims that status does not confer legal residency.
- Attorneys filed a habeas corpus petition arguing the detention violates due process. Batra, who has lived in the U.S. for roughly 35 years, alleges agents lacked visible badges or uniforms during the apprehension.
- Batra's son, who recently enlisted in the U.S. Army, filed a parole application on her behalf to secure her release. Legal counsel reports she remains without access to necessary medical care following surgeries in December.
- The Department of Homeland Security faces an April 21 deadline to respond to the habeas petition. Advocates argue the case exemplifies aggressive enforcement targeting community members despite their documented contributions to the judicial system.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Punjabi woman with son in US Army held by ICE for deportation; starved for 24 hours
A 53-year-old Indian-origin court interpreter in the US, who has spent over three decades helping immigrants navigate the US legal system, was detained by ICE. Despite having a son in the US Army and long-term legal protection, she now faces deportation under a decades-old removal order.
Immigration Court Interpreter Detained by ICE at Texas Airport, Case Heads to Federal Court
A Texas immigration court interpreter who has spent years helping South Asian migrants navigate the U.S. legal system is now fighting her own detention inside an ICE facility in South Texas, according to court records
Times of India
The Economic TimesWho is Meenu Batra? The 53-year-old Indian-origin interpreter detained by ICE after 35 years in the US
Meenu Batra, a 53-year-old Indian-origin legal interpreter, was detained by ICE in Texas while traveling for a legal case. Despite having valid work authorization and a past withholding of removal, she was questioned about her legal status and a deportation order. Her lawyer is challenging her detention, citing due process concerns.
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