A California mother who has lived in the United States for more than three decades was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after attending her green card interview, according to her family.
Leticia Nevares, who has been in the country for over 35 years and works as an elderly caretaker, was reportedly taken into custody on September 16 during what was supposed to be the final step in her legal residency process. Her son, Steven Rodriguez, said she was placed in handcuffs at the immigration office and transported to a detention facility.
Nevares’ family shared her story on a GoFundMe page, saying she has no criminal history and has long been active in her community. “She’s like a model citizen and she’s being treated like a criminal,” Rodriguez told NBC Bay Area.
She was initially detained in Bakersfield and later transferred to a CoreCivic-operated facility in California City, a private immigration detention center in the Mojave Desert that has drawn criticism for poor conditions.
The case comes amid a broader immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump, who has vowed to conduct the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history. Reports have surfaced of immigrants — even those with valid documentation or awaiting green cards — being detained during interviews.
The Department of Homeland Security defended its actions, stating that ICE is targeting “criminal illegal aliens” as part of its enforcement mandate.
Nevares’ next court hearing is scheduled for October 28, according to her family. The GoFundMe campaign for her legal defense has surpassed $25,500, exceeding its $16,000 goal.
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