A Venezuelan woman has tearfully reported on TikTok that she was forced to wear an electronic ankle monitor after going to an immigration office in the United States to collect her passport.
“Today I went to immigration to retrieve my passport and left with an ankle monitor on, and the worst part is that they forced me to wear it,” she expressed, visibly shaken, in a video posted on her account @saymarguerrero.
According to her account, when she refused to have the electronic monitoring device placed on her, the authorities warned her that she would be detained, regardless of having a baby born on U.S. soil.
"I was told that if I didn't allow them to put on the ankle monitor, they would keep me detained. They didn't care that I had an American baby with me.", the woman reported, her voice choked with tears.
The young woman explained that her intention was to leave the country voluntarily and legally, with a departure authorized by an immigration judge. However, when they could not find her passport, the officers chose to impose an ankle bracelet on her without providing further explanations.
“Not even when I entered three years ago was I put in shackles like today. I feel terrible. I asked why, and they told me I needed to go to another office in eight days where they would explain it to me,” she added.
The video, which has widely circulated on social media, has sparked outrage among users who question the treatment of individuals by immigration authorities as they seek to comply with legal procedures.
So far, there has been no official reaction from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding this particular case.
Frequently Asked Questions about the case of the Venezuelan woman with an electronic ankle monitor and the immigration context in the U.S.
Why did a Venezuelan woman receive an electronic ankle monitor when she went to get her passport in the U.S.?
The woman was fitted with an electronic ankle monitor because immigration authorities decided to supervise her after they could not find her passport and without providing further explanations. She was warned that if she did not accept the monitor, she would be detained.
What is ICE's policy regarding migrants with I-220A?
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is intensifying the monitoring of migrants under the I-220A documentation through the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP), which involves stricter oversight with home visits and the use of electronic devices.
What should migrants in the U.S. do if they are summoned by ICE?
It is important for migrants to attend their scheduled appointments with ICE and adhere to all conditions set forth in their supervision documents to avoid legal complications, despite the fear of possible detentions.
What are the recommendations for migrants in the face of ICE raids?
It is recommended to have a communication plan with trusted adults, not to open the door to ICE without a judicial order, to know your rights, and to have the contact information of a U.S. citizen to act as an interpreter if needed.
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