A 53-year-old Indian-origin woman, Meenu Batra, who has lived in the United States for over three decades, now faces deportation after being detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Batra, a certified courtroom interpreter fluent in Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu, was taken into custody on March 17 at Valley International Airport in Texas while travelling for an immigration court assignment.

Despite her long residence and professional contributions, authorities acted on a pending removal order issued in 2000. Her case has gained attention due to her unique legal status and humanitarian concerns. “She has spent years helping immigrants navigate the legal system. Now she finds herself on the other side of it,” her legal team noted. Who Is Badar Khan Suri, Indian Researcher Facing Deportation After Getting Detained in US for Hamas Support?

Batra had been granted “withholding of removal,” a status that prevents deportation to India due to potential risk of persecution. However, this protection does not cancel the removal order entirely. This means she could still be deported to a third country willing to accept her.

Her detention conditions have raised serious concerns. According to a habeas corpus petition filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Batra was allegedly held “for nearly 24 hours without food and water.” Her lawyers further claimed she has faced “inconsistent access to medical care” and has fallen ill with a respiratory condition while in custody. Indian-Origin Madhu Raju May Face Deportation From US Over Viral Dance Video at World War 2 Memorial in Washington DC.

A single mother of four US citizen children, Batra’s youngest son recently joined the US Army and has filed a parole application on her behalf. Her attorneys argue that her detention is unlawful and emphasize that her current legal status remains valid for another four years.

The case also highlights stricter immigration enforcement measures introduced during the administration of Donald Trump, which expanded actions against individuals with final removal orders, even if they have lived in the country for decades.

“Nothing about her current work or status violates her legal standing,” her legal team stated, calling for her immediate release.

The court has directed the US Department of Homeland Security to respond to the petition by April 21. As legal proceedings continue, Batra’s case underscores the complex realities of US immigration law, especially for long-settled residents with unresolved legal orders.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 17, 2026 06:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).