In her first interview after being released from ICE detention for over six weeks, Indian-origin Texas woman Meenu Batra told CBS News exclusively that she is afraid she could be arrested again. Batra had been living in the United States since 1991 after she fled India following the killings of her parents in Punjab.
Background and Legal Status
In 2000, Batra was granted a court protection order that prevented her deportation to her country of origin due to a well-founded fear of persecution. This order also allowed her to legally work in the United States. A single mother of four, including an Army soldier, Batra has been working as a court interpreter, proficient in Urdu and Hindi in addition to English.
Detention Incident
On March 17, while traveling to Wisconsin for work, Batra was detained by ICE agents at a Texas airport. The Trump administration claimed she was staying in the U.S. illegally and could be deported to a third country, not India. Earlier this month, she was released after a court questioned the legality of her detention.
Emotional Toll and Fear
Speaking about her detention, Batra told CBS News that the hardest part was the dehumanization and the uncertainty. When asked by Shanelle Kaul if she fears being arrested again, Batra admitted, "I am very fearful that it may happen again. I hate to admit it." She described life after release as strange, saying, "I went grocery shopping the other day. It was strange. This is my own town, my own people and yet I was constantly watching over my shoulder."
Legal Path Forward
Batra's attorney, Deepak Ahluwalia, earlier stated that they are seeking military parole in place for Batra, given that her son serves in the U.S. Army. If granted, they plan to apply for her Green Card towards the end of this year.
