TLDR:
ICE has been arresting immigrants at USCIS interviews—even those with no criminal history—sparking national concern. While we have not seen this happen in Charleston yet, it’s a reminder of the growing risks in today’s immigration landscape. This is why having a qualified immigration attorney is more important than ever. If you’re preparing to file an immigration application, let’s talk.
Let’s Talk About What’s Happening
In February 2025, USCIS issued guidance to immigration officers to initiate removal proceedings for individuals whose immigration applications are denied and who are out of status. (See my article about that policy update↗.)
Now, there’s more news on this front.
If you’ve been following immigration news lately—or even if you haven’t—you need to know what’s going on. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) recently released a policy brief confirming something that should concern everyone in the immigration community:
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is actively arresting individuals at USCIS field offices. Yes, at USCIS—the agency responsible for handling immigration benefits like green cards and naturalization, not deportation.
Since March 2025, AILA attorneys across the country have been reporting a troubling increase in ICE enforcement at immigration interviews. People are being detained at the very interviews they were required to attend in order to complete their applications.
As of AILA’s July 3rd report, these arrests have been confirmed in cities like Los Angeles, Miami, Charlotte, Dallas, and more. The trend shows no signs of slowing.
So What Does This Mean for Charleston?
Here in Charleston, South Carolina, we have not received reports of ICE making arrests at our local USCIS field office. But let me be clear: that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Given the national pattern, we need to stay informed, vigilant, and proactive.
This isn’t about creating panic—it’s about protecting our communities and being smart about how we approach the immigration process.
Who Is Being Targeted?
The people being arrested aren’t necessarily criminals.
In fact, many have no criminal records at all. Many are attending marriage-based green card interviews or completing the final steps of their adjustment of status after years of living in the U.S. They often have U.S. citizen spouses or children and are taking steps to legalize their status.
Some have old removal orders they may not even know about. Others overstayed a visa or entered without inspection. These are the kinds of immigration violations that might be eligible for waivers—but ICE is not waiting to let people apply for them anymore.
Let that sink in: They are being arrested before they can even finish the legal process.
In one reported case, a man who had his marriage-based petition approved was still arrested on the spot due to an in absentia removal order from years ago. No criminal history. No warning. Detained on the day he came in with his U.S. citizen wife.
Why This Is So Alarming
Let’s remember what USCIS is supposed to be: an agency for processing applications, not for setting traps. Under the Homeland Security Act, enforcement duties are assigned to ICE and CBP—not USCIS. But now, USCIS is reportedly cooperating with ICE, even volunteering staff to assist with arrests.
This shift undermines the trust people have in the immigration system. Why would someone attend a required interview if they think they could be arrested for trying to follow the law?
Here’s What You Can Do
This is exactly why filing with an experienced immigration attorney matters more than ever.
It’s not enough to “do everything right” on your own. Even if you’ve never been arrested, even if you’re married to a U.S. citizen, even if you think your case is “simple”—the risks are real. And they’re rising.
A good attorney will:
- Check your immigration history for any past orders you might not be aware of.
- Identify risks and eligibility for waivers like the I-601A or I-212.
- Help you prepare for interviews with protection in place. Check out our interview prep service↗.
- In some cases, advise you to delay or avoid appearing at USCIS until legal safeguards are in place.
This is not about fear. It’s about strategy.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If you’re thinking about filing an immigration application—whether it’s a green card, a waiver, or naturalization—talk to a lawyer first. There may be factors in your history that could trigger unexpected consequences.
Read my blog article about finding the right immigration attorney for you↗.
And if you already have an interview scheduled and you’re not working with an attorney, now is the time to change that.
Let’s Talk
At Occam Immigration, we work with individuals and families across Charleston and beyond to help them navigate the immigration process safely and confidently. We believe in immigration with dignity, compassion, and preparedness.
If you’re unsure about your case or just need someone to look things over, reach out. We’re here to help.