Indian-American Doctor's Viral Account Reveals Harassment of Elderly Mother by Masked ICE Agents
As outrage intensifies over recent fatal shootings involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis, a disturbing personal account from an Indian-American physician has shocked social media users nationwide. Dr. Nisha Patel, a Texas-based doctor known for sharing medical insights online, posted on X about her elderly mother's traumatic encounter with masked ICE agents while shopping at an outlet mall.
Accent-Based Assumption Leads to Aggressive Interrogation
According to Dr. Patel's viral post, which has garnered more than 2.3 million views, her mother—a US citizen for 47 years—was approached by masked ICE agents who assumed she spoke Spanish because of her accent. The agents immediately began addressing her in Spanish, and when she clarified she didn't speak the language, they aggressively demanded to know where she was "from," rapidly listing possible countries without allowing her time to respond.
"My mom was stopped and harassed by masked ICE agents while shopping at an outlet mall in Texas," Dr. Patel wrote. "Because she has an accent, they assumed she spoke Spanish and started talking to her in Spanish. When she said she doesn't speak Spanish, they began demanding where she was 'from,' rapidly listing countries without even giving her a chance to respond."
The physician revealed that her mother was only permitted to leave after showing a photograph of her US passport on her phone. In her powerful conclusion, Dr. Patel emphasized: "She is a US citizen. She has lived in this country for 47 years. If you think this is just about 'sending criminals back,' you are dead wrong."
Social Media Erupts with Fear and Disillusionment
The doctor's account triggered intense reactions across social media platforms, with many users expressing fear, anger, and shattered perceptions of the United States. One commenter wrote: "I'm delaying my next trip to USA because of this..." while another noted the tragic irony: "47 years in the country. Harassed by agents with 47 days of training."
Other responses highlighted broader anxieties about racial profiling and immigration enforcement. "This is disturbing and unacceptable," one user stated. "No one should be profiled, intimidated, or forced to prove their citizenship just for existing in public." Another comment revealed deep disillusionment: "It's crazy, I always imagined the United States like in the movies, but it's so different. Our physical appearance, our language, even the stickers on our cars can change your life forever."
Broader Backlash Over Federal Immigration Actions
Dr. Patel's story emerges amid nationwide protests demanding accountability for federal immigration enforcement following two fatal shootings in Minneapolis earlier this month. On January 7, ICE agents shot and killed 37-year-old US citizen Renee Good during an enforcement operation. Less than three weeks later, federal immigration officers fatally shot 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti, also a US citizen, in a confrontation that has drawn widespread scrutiny and demonstrations.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other political leaders have condemned the killings, calling for thorough investigations and demanding that federal immigration agents leave the state. The deaths have ignited heated political debate in Washington, with some lawmakers threatening to block Department of Homeland Security funding as public outrage mounts over ICE tactics.
Official Numbers Reveal Scale of Immigration Enforcement
Recent statistics underscore the extensive scope of federal immigration enforcement contributing to public apprehension. The administration reported deporting 605,000 people between January 20 and December 10, 2025. Additionally, officials claimed that 1.9 million immigrants had "voluntarily self-deported" following an aggressive public awareness campaign encouraging people to leave the country independently to avoid arrest or detention.
According to data from Syracuse University's Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), approximately 65,000 people were detained in ICE facilities as of November 30, 2025. Indian nationals remain significantly affected by these enforcement measures. In fiscal year 2024, 2,647 Indian citizens were detained by ICE for immigration violations—including visa overstays and illegal entry—ranking Indians fourth among nationalities held in ICE custody.
The convergence of personal accounts like Dr. Patel's with broader statistical trends and political developments highlights growing concerns about immigration enforcement methods and their impact on communities across the United States.
