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Wisconsin state trooper detained by ICE
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Key Points:
- Aaron Van Der Merwe, a 21-year-old Wisconsin state trooper originally from South Africa, was detained by ICE while waiting to board a domestic flight and is now facing deportation despite having a valid work permit and a pending asylum application.
- Van Der Merwe legally entered the U.S. as a child and has been waiting seven years for an asylum interview; his work permit is valid until 2030, but ICE claims he overstayed his admission from March 2019.
- The Department of Homeland Security stated the arrest was part of a targeted enforcement operation and emphasized a policy shift under the Trump administration to prevent illegal immigrants from flying domestically.
- Van Der Merwe’s attorney condemned the detention as inhumane and is seeking bond for his release, calling on Wisconsin’s congressional delegation to intervene and demand answers.
- ICE is holding Van Der Merwe at a detention facility in Juneau, Wisconsin, pending removal proceedings.
