Arrests Reported During I-130 Interviews at USCIS

Arrests reported during I-130 interviews have raised concerns among applicants, yet the overall risk remains low—keep reading to understand what’s happening and how to protect yourself. In this post, we’ll explain the recent incidents, identify who may be at higher risk, and offer practical steps to prepare before attending your USCIS appointment.

Recent reports indicate that USCIS field offices in cities like Miami, Los Angeles, Fresno, Saint Louis, and Portland, Oregon, have seen arrests occur during in-person interviews for Form I-130, which is the petition filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident on behalf of a qualifying family member. Though these arrests appear to be coordinated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), it’s essential to dissect the facts and learn how they may—or may not—affect you.

USCIS has publicly confirmed that in the past two weeks they have reported a total of 26 arrests across various field offices, including those handling asylum cases in Tampa, Houston, Phoenix, and an unspecified location in California. Despite the headlines, the data suggest that the probability of being detained during a routine I-130 interview remains minimal. In this article, we’ll break down who is most at risk, why, and what you can do to minimize exposure.

Background on Recent Arrests

In recent weeks, USCIS has amplified its messaging on social media about its collaboration with ICE to detain individuals during interviews. The arrests involve applicants for U.S. immigration benefits—particularly during in-person processing of the Form I-130 family petitions.

One notable USCIS press release from April described the agency’s help with enforcement actions that resulted in the arrest of 133 individuals in New York, including nine who had prior deportations and 20 with documented criminal convictions . More recently, the agency reported facilitating 369 arrests at USCIS field offices since January 20, 2025. These operations underscore USCIS’s role in cross-agency enforcement when final orders of removal are in place.

Historically, court documents from 2018 reveal that USCIS has coordinated with ICE to place individuals with final removal orders during interviews for I-130 petitions or provisional waivers. These partnerships are not new, though the current uptick in public reporting confirms that the collaboration remains active.

The Numbers: How Frequent Are These Detentions?

According to USCIS, 26 arrests have occurred in the past two weeks across different local field offices—including those processing asylum cases. A broader tally includes hundreds of arrests since January . Yet in comparison to the thousands of I-130 interviews conducted weekly nationwide, the likelihood of being arrested while passing through USCIS remains very low. The public data suggest that arrests are largely targeted toward individuals already flagged by ICE or previously ordered removed.

Nonetheless, these few dozen reported cases have ignited fears among applicants—fueling questions about who is vulnerable and what triggers enforcement actions.

Who Is Actually at Risk?

USCIS and immigrant advocates agree: most applicants face little danger, but certain profiles remain at higher risk:

1. Individuals with prior orders of deportation or removal. If you were previously ordered removed and did not resolve that status, it’s a red flag.

2. People with criminal histories. This includes past convictions—even non-violent ones—that could trigger removal actions.

3. Suspected or confirmed immigration fraud cases. USCIS has explicitly stated they alert ICE for any suspected documentary or benefit fraud, even on older filings .

4. Claims of gang or criminal associations. Even uncharged assertions may elevate risk in ICE’s eyes.

5. Individuals with deportation-in-absentia orders. Those who never appeared in immigration court after receiving a hearing notice have automatic exposure.

Anyone falling into one of these categories may be subject to arrest if flagged during the I-130 adjudication process.

Why These Arrests Are Happening

USCIS is primarily an adjudicative agency, not law enforcement. However, when interviews for immigration benefits intersect with ICE’s enforcement mandate, cooperation may occur—especially under policies dating back to Executive Order 13768, enacted during the previous administration, making ICE responsible for individuals with final removal orders.

Interviews often involve background checks through FBI name checks and other cross-agency data reviews. If red flags emerge during these checks or the interview, USCIS may share this information with ICE. That’s why arrests are not random—but rather a byproduct of enforcement policy working in tandem with adjudication.

Preparing Before Your USCIS I-130 Interview

To ensure a smooth interview experience and avoid surprises, applicants should:

• Secure legal counsel: Consult an experienced immigration attorney who can assess your record, previous orders, criminal charges, or any red flags that might arise.

• Review your immigration history: Clean up any old removal orders, voluntary departures, or absences from court—your lawyer may file motions to reopen or terminate such orders ahead of your interview.

• Gather evidence of rehabilitation or eligibility: If you have prior convictions or moral character issues, documents proving rehabilitation will be critical for discretionary consideration.

• Be honest in filings and communication: USCIS and ICE view inconsistencies as indicators of fraud, which may trigger enforcement.

• Understand your rights if detained: Individuals arrested at USCIS have the right to request a bond hearing. In many cases, those without prior removals or serious criminal history can apply for relief such as cancellation of removal—if they meet criteria like 10 years’ continuous residence, good moral character, and close U.S. citizen or LPR relatives.

What to Do If You Are Detained

If you or a family member is detained during an I-130 interview, remember:

• You may request a bond hearing: Most non-detained applicants without aggravated felony convictions are eligible.

• You may apply for cancellation of removal: If detained and without prior deportation orders, you may pursue cancellation provided you meet eligibility—such as lawful presence for at least ten years, no serious criminal convictions, and a qualifying immediate relative ().

• Contact your attorney immediately: Your lawyer can file motions and petition for release on bond, and if applicable, cancellation or other relief.

Legal Remedies: Cancellation of Removal

Cancellation of removal is a powerful safeguard for those in removal proceedings. To qualify, you generally must:

• Have lived in the U.S. continuously for ten years or more,

• Exhibit good moral character,

• Have no convictions for serious crimes,

• Have a qualifying relative who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident,

• Demonstrate that removal would cause exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to the relative.

This relief requires a hearing before an immigration judge. Its availability reinforces the importance of legal representation for detained individuals with otherwise clean records.

Final Takeaways

Though media reports may fuel fear, data indicate that arrests during I-130 interviews are rare and targeted toward individuals flagged by ICE—particularly those:

• Already under final deportation orders,

• With criminal convictions or charges,

• Suspected in fraud or misrepresentation,

• Associated with criminal or gang allegations.

If none of these apply to you, your risk at USCIS remains low. However, thorough preparation—including legal review, transparent evidence, and proactive case cleanup—can provide crucial protection and peace of mind.

In total, 26 arrests were publicly reported in the past few weeks across field offices in major cities. Since January 2025, USCIS has facilitated hundreds of arrests in field office operations—far fewer relative to ongoing immigration adjudications.

To recap:

• The overall risk is minimal for applicants without enforcement triggers,

• The highest risk group includes those with prior removal orders, criminal history, or fraud allegations,

• Legal counsel is essential before attending interviews to assess risk and advise on relief options,

• And if detained, bond hearings and cancellation relief may be available.

By staying informed, working with a skilled immigration attorney, and preparing documentation and background information thoughtfully, applicants can confidently approach I-130 interviews without fear.

If you’d like more guidance specific to your personal case—such as potential waivers, handling prior orders, or even relief options like VAWA or U visa—feel free to reach out and I’d be happy to delve deeper into your situation.