Alberto Lovo Rojas, a 42-year-old Nicaraguan asylum seeker, was arrested while waiting for a haircut in Spokane, Washington, despite complying with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requirements.

Rojas, who fled Nicaragua in 2018 due to a violent crackdown against anti-government protests, had been regularly checking in with ICE and maintained a valid work permit in the U.S. His last check-in was on February 5, 2023. However, just three days later, he was detained and is now facing deportation.

Rojas is among numerous individuals who have been detained recently even after adhering to check-in protocols with ICE.

Although ICE has not provided clear statistics regarding arrests made during these check-ins, reports suggest that approximately 1,400 arrests occurred in the initial weeks of the Trump administration, with a significant portion happening during or shortly after scheduled check-ins.

Advocates and immigration lawyers express concern that ICE is targeting individuals who had previously been released from detention while awaiting asylum proceedings or appeals.

Many of these individuals, including Rojas, have no criminal records and have been following the agency's orders.

Lawyers emphasize that under the Biden administration, the deportation priorities shifted to focus on individuals posing security threats, contrasting with the current approach that appears to pose risks to all undocumented immigrants.

Rojas and his uncle were active participants in the Nicaraguan protests that erupted following proposed reforms to the social security system in 2018, which were met with severe governmental violence.

They arranged their escape through Central America to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Despite initially facing a denied asylum claim, Rojas was released on supervision in May 2020 after legal advocacy around health risks due to COVID-19. After reuniting with his family, he secured employment in construction and as a mechanic.

Rojas's situation is not unique.

Jorge, a 22-year-old asylum seeker from Venezuela, also reported to ICE for a routine check-up and was unexpectedly detained.

His experiences reflect a growing sense of fear among asylum seekers, previously led to believe that compliance with ICE’s regulations would ensure their safety.

Community response to Rojas’s detention has included support from local friends, family, and community members who are rallying to cover legal costs, illustrating the impact of such detentions on social networks.

A GoFundMe page has raised substantial funds to support Rojas's legal representation as his family seeks to reopen his case and prevent his deportation back to Nicaragua.

As immigration lawyers and activists observe an increase in detention rates during check-ins, they indicate that many individuals who had previously been allowed to reside in the U.S. under supervision are now vulnerable to deportation orders.

Legal professionals note that ICE has the authority to enforce removal orders at any time, which raises significant concerns for asylum seekers and the immigrant community at large.

Both the Biden and Trump administrations have seen periodic arrests during check-ins, but advocates report a more indiscriminate application of the law under Trump, as non-violent and compliant individuals are increasingly swept into the enforcement net.

Amid this climate of fear, individuals like Rojas and Jorge are left to confront the uncertainties of their futures in the U.S., as immigration policies and enforcement practices continue to evolve.