Several foreign-born spouses of United States citizens have been detained during routine green card interviews at the San Diego immigration office, according to recent reports. The detentions, which began on November 12, have affected dozens of couples who arrived for scheduled appointments intended to advance the process of obtaining lawful permanent residency. Instead, the interviews ended with federal agents escorting the foreign spouse away, often in handcuffs, on allegations of violating visa rules.
A green card grants an immigrant the right to live and work permanently in the United States, and for many recently married couples, the interview serves as an important milestone in building a life together. However, families attending the San Diego appointments said they encountered an unexpected and distressing situation that disrupted their plans and left them uncertain about their future.
Among those detained were spouses from the United Kingdom and Germany, as well as a new mother caring for a five-month-old baby. The families reported that immigration officers completed the interview process before officers stepped in to detain the foreign national. Several spouses described the moment as abrupt and traumatic, noting that the transition from a formal interview to a detention procedure took place without any advance notice.
Stephen Paul, a San Diego resident, said his British wife, Katie, was detained immediately after their interview concluded. He recalled being asked to take their infant from her arms as officers placed her in custody. He described the moment as emotionally overwhelming, explaining that he had to take leave from work to look after their child while attempting to secure her release. His experience reflects the emotional strain reported by several families facing similar circumstances.
Military families were also affected, adding to the sense of frustration and shock expressed by those impacted. Some veterans said they felt let down after their spouses were detained in the same manner as others. One former Marine, Samuel Shasteen, who served for two decades, said he felt betrayed when his Thailand-born wife was taken into custody. He noted that after years of service to the nation, he did not expect his family to be subjected to such treatment.
The detentions appear to align with the broader immigration enforcement approach taken during the Trump administration, which emphasized strong action against individuals suspected of violating visa or residency rules. Following an incident involving an Afghan national near the White House, the administration indicated that it intended to further restrict immigration from certain countries, reinforcing its stance on strict enforcement.
In earlier statements, immigration authorities said that any foreign national found to be in violation of US immigration law may be arrested, detained, or removed, regardless of their origin or prior history. Officials also stated that criminal conduct is not required for enforcement actions, as being unlawfully present in the country constitutes a federal violation on its own. This reflects the policy foundations under which the recent detentions in San Diego were carried out, leaving many families navigating complex legal challenges while seeking clarity on their spouses’ status.
