Indian Woman Detained by ICE During Green Card Interview in California

A woman of Indian origin, Bubbly Kaur, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a Green Card interview in Long Beach, California, on December 1, 2025. Kaur, who has lived in the United States for over 30 years, was in the final stages of her application for permanent residency when she was unexpectedly taken into custody by ICE agents.

This incident has raised significant concerns among family members, immigrant rights advocates, and local officials, highlighting the risks faced by individuals with no criminal records during immigration processes. The event has sparked a renewed discussion regarding the implications of ICE actions on vulnerable communities seeking legal residency.

Details of the Detention

The detention occurred during a scheduled biometric scan appointment at a local immigration office. Kaur, who confidently attended the interview as part of her ongoing immigration process, was reportedly approached by ICE agents without any clear explanation of their actions. According to reports from The Economic Times, the intervention was abrupt, leaving Kaur and her family bewildered.

After her arrest, Kaur’s daughter, Joti Kaur, described the experience as traumatic. She stated, “She was very scared. They put her into a van full of men, with her hands and feet chained.” This statement has contributed to growing outrage on social media and among community organizations advocating for immigrant rights.

The family faced further distress following the arrest, as they received little information regarding Kaur’s whereabouts. Reports by Long Beach Watchdog indicated that ICE agents vaguely mentioned she may have been taken to facilities in Santa Ana or Los Angeles, prolonging the family’s uncertainty for several hours.

Community and Political Reactions

The incident has drawn condemnation from local political figures, including Robert Garcia, the Congressman representing Long Beach. Garcia confirmed that his office has been in contact with Kaur’s family to provide assistance. He stated, “We’re going to do everything possible to bring her home,” emphasizing that such actions instill fear in working-class communities.

Kaur, who has lived in the U.S. since her arrival from India in 1994, has deep roots in the community. Alongside her husband, she ran Natraj Cuisine of India and Nepal, a local restaurant that was an integral part of the community until it suffered financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her story reflects the struggles faced by many immigrants and the challenge of navigating the immigration system.

The unexpected detention during an official immigration procedure raises critical questions about ICE’s operational protocols. Advocates argue that incidents like this may deter immigrants from pursuing legal pathways to regularize their status. As Kaur’s family continues to seek answers about her current situation, the case remains under scrutiny in Southern California.

This situation highlights a broader issue: the fear that individuals may encounter while engaging with immigration authorities, even when they are following legal procedures. The ongoing public discourse surrounding Kaur’s case may influence future discussions on immigration policy and enforcement practices in the United States.