Migrant survivors sue ICE over deportation policies

Immigrant survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking have filed a lawsuit accusing the Trump administration. They are suing for unlawful detention and deportation of people meant to be protected under federal law. They claim that new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies are punishing survivors instead of upholding safeguards created for them.

Survivors lose protection under new rules

The case, brought by Public Counsel and several immigrant rights groups, challenges a directive that allows ICE officers to arrest people without checking whether they have applied for U or T visas. A U visa offers protection to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other serious crimes who assist investigations. A T visa protects survivors of human trafficking who have been coerced, exploited, or forced to work against their will. These visas were designed to help survivors come forward and cooperate with law enforcement.

Many applicants have already been granted “deferred action,” which pauses deportation while the government reviews their cases. Under the new policy, however, that protection is canceled the moment someone is detained — often without notice or a hearing. Lawyers say this violates the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, which ensures survivors can seek justice safely.

Truthout reports,

“Congress has enacted special protections for immigrant survivors who report their crime to the police and come forward and take the brave step of coming out of the shadows,” said Kathleen Rivas of Public Counsel. “ICE is ignoring Congress’s intent to protect immigrant survivors, and so, our lawsuit challenges recent changes in practices at ICE regarding this particularly vulnerable population.”

At risk of re-trafficking

One of the plaintiffs, Yessenia Ruano, fled gang violence in El Salvador and survived a labor trafficking scheme on her journey North. She later worked in the US as a teacher’s aide and raised twin daughters with her husband. Ruano has been in the US for 14 years while seeking permanent residence. After applying for a T visa in February, Ruano asked ICE to delay her deportation while her case was pending. That request was denied. Facing detention and separation from her children, she felt forced to self-deport. She returned to El Salvador in June with her family.

These actions come amid a wider rollback of protections for migrants and survivors. Under the Trump administration, deportations and detentions have surged alongside reports of forced labor inside immigration detention centers, where detainees are often made to work for as little as one dollar a day under threat of punishment. At the same time, humanitarian programs for trafficking and violence survivors have been weakened, leaving those most at risk, including children, with fewer options for safety or legal relief. Advocates warn that the mix of harsh enforcement, forced labor in custody, and reduced humanitarian protections is deepening exploitation instead of ending it.

Freedom United stands with the survivors demanding protection and dignity. Migration policies must ensure safety, not punishment, for those seeking refuge from abuse. Join our movement to help protect migrant survivors and uphold their right to justice.