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world1d ago
Red state's only licensed Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu interpreter is now in ICE detention
- ICE detained Meenu Batra, the only licensed Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu interpreter in Texas, after a Harlingen airport stop.
- Authorities say the detention is tied to a final removal order from 2000, with DHS stating she will stay in custody pending removal.
- Batra’s lawyers allege the arrest targeted a long-time community member with lawful protection, not a typical criminal.
- The habeas filing describes the agents’ approach as lacking visible badges and uniforms during the arrest.
- Batra’s detention has drawn attention from immigration advocates and community leaders concerned about due process.
- The case adds to nationwide habeas petitions by detainees, with Texas leading in such actions.
- ICE moved Batra to detention facilities after the airport stop, with ongoing health concerns noted by her attorneys.
- The ICE spokesperson cited a final order of removal from 2000, stating she will stay in custody pending removal.
- Batra’s case involves questions about whether language access workers should be detained under mass deportation plans.
- DHS emphasized Batra's long-standing legal protection and lack of a green-card path, complicating the case.
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