Vermont Woman’s Nightmare: Green Card Holder Detained by ICE
In a distressing incident highlighting immigration issues, Esther Ngoy Tekele, a green card holder from Vermont, was detained by ICE after crossing the Canadian border into the U.S. The incident has turned into a nightmare for her and her family, who are struggling with the uncertainty of her situation.
Details of the Detention
Esther, a Congolese woman and mother of a two-year-old, has been held in custody at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility for over a week. According to her brother, Coco Ngoy, the family was returning to Vermont from a wedding in Canada when they were stopped at the Highgate Springs border.
The family, who has crossed the border numerous times before, faced unexpected chaos when an officer informed them that while the rest could go, Esther could not. “The officer was like, ‘Oh, I think you guys are free to go, except for Esther. She cannot leave,'” Coco recalled. “I could not leave my sister alone.”
The Fight for Justice
Esther has lived and worked in Vermont since 2021, and her brother argues that her detention is both inhumane and unconstitutional. “Going through a situation like this is really a nightmare,” he stated, fearing for what might come next for Esther. He is particularly worried about the emotional toll on their mother, whose health is already declining.
Esther’s attorney, Jared Carter, raised serious concerns regarding the validity of her green card, which was the initial basis for her detention. He argues that there has been no formal proceeding or explanation provided for her ongoing detention. “We dispute that [the authorities] have the right to detain somebody, especially without any kind of proceeding for more than a week,” Carter emphasized.
Upcoming Hearings and Community Response
As the situation develops, Esther is set to have a virtual bond hearing in front of a federal judge. This will be followed by a show-cause hearing next week, where the government must provide evidence to justify her detention.
The family’s ordeal has garnered attention and raised concerns regarding immigration policies and the treatment of individuals who are lawful green card holders. Advocates are rallying support for Esther, emphasizing that her case underscores larger issues within the immigration system that often leave individuals vulnerable.
A Broader Impact
The circumstances surrounding Esther Ngoy Tekele’s detention resonate deeply with many families within immigrant communities. It serves as a stark reminder of the precarious nature of immigration enforcement and the significant risks that lawful residents may face. As public awareness grows, many are urging for reform and a more humane approach to immigration processing and detention practices.
Emotional Toll on Families
The emotional strain of such detentions is palpable. Coco Ngoy expressed the challenges the family faces, stating, “I have many people who are really affected by this situation, especially my mom and the child. It’s really hard. I am trying to be strong, but to be honest, I’m not.”
These personal battles are not just legal but profoundly emotional, impacting the fabric of families and the community at large. Esther’s case highlights the urgent need for compassionate consideration of individual circumstances and the broader implications of immigration enforcement.
Conclusion
As the hearing dates approach, the family and their supporters remain hopeful for Esther’s release. The case not only highlights the personal tragedy of one family’s struggle but also reflects ongoing debates about immigration policies and human rights in the United States. The plight of Esther Ngoy Tekele is a reminder that behind every statistic in immigration detention, there are real human lives affected by decisions made at borders and in courtrooms across the country.
FAQs
What happened to Esther Ngoy Tekele?
Esther Ngoy Tekele, a green card holder, was detained by ICE after returning to Vermont from a wedding in Canada.
Why was Esther detained?
Authorities suggested that her green card might not be valid, but she has not been given a clear explanation for her detention.
What does Esther’s family say about her detention?
Her brother, Coco Ngoy, describes the situation as a nightmare and expresses concern for their family’s well-being.
When is the next hearing for Esther’s case?
Esther is scheduled for a virtual bond hearing soon, with a show-cause hearing following the week after.
What impact does this situation have on the family?
The detention has placed significant emotional strain on Esther’s family, particularly her mother and young child, as they face uncertainty regarding her future.