A longtime Texas court interpreter, Meenu Batra, is currently being held in federal detention despite possessing valid work authorization and a withholding of removal order protecting her from deportation.

Decades of Residency and Protected Status

Meenu Batra has resided in the U.S. for approximately 35 years and has a ‘withholding of removal’ order, safeguarding her from deportation to India due to a well-founded fear of persecution. She has consistently maintained valid work authorization throughout her time in the country.

Arrest at Valley International Airport

On March 17th, Batra was arrested at Valley International Airport while traveling to Milwaukee for a work assignment. The 53-year-old single mother of four U.S. citizen adults has served as a certified court interpreter for over 20 years, utilizing her fluency in Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu.

Details of the Arrest and Detention

According to Batra’s sworn affidavit, she was questioned by an ICE officer at the TSA checkpoint despite presenting valid documentation. She informed the officer about her withholding of removal and work authorization, but was told this did not guarantee permanent residency. She was subsequently handcuffed and transported in an unmarked vehicle, with at least four officers involved in her arrest.

Humiliating Treatment Alleged

Upon arrival at an ICE field office, Batra alleges she was photographed for what she was told was ‘social media.’ This experience was deeply humiliating for her.

Family's Response and Legal Challenges

Batra’s son, Jasper Jai Dolezal, expressed shock at his mother’s detention and has accelerated his military enlistment to pursue a military parole-in-place application, hoping to secure her temporary permission to remain in the U.S. He voiced disappointment that his service to the country might coincide with his mother’s unjust detention.

Background and Asylum

Batra fled India as a teenager following the deaths of her parents during a state pogrom against Sikhs in the 1980s. She sought asylum upon arrival in the U.S., and in 2000, an immigration judge granted her withholding of removal, allowing her to legally remain and work in the U.S.

Legal Battles and Third-Country Deportation

Recent legal challenges have targeted the practice of deporting immigrants, even those with withholding of removal, to third countries. The Department of Justice is attempting to dismiss Batra’s habeas corpus petition, claiming her detention is lawful under a ‘final order of removal.’ Her attorney argues the withholding of removal order should prevent deportation, and the government has not explained the basis for her detention or identified a potential third country for relocation. A recent federal court ruling deemed similar deportation policies illegal.

ICE has not yet provided a comment regarding Batra’s detention or potential deportation to a third country.