Detention Timeline & Context
In February, Ward Sakeik, a stateless Palestinian who has lived in the U.S. since age 8, was detained by ICE while returning from her honeymoon in the U.S. Virgin Islands—despite being up-to-date with her immigration check‑ins
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She remained in custody for approximately 140–141 days (nearly 5 months) at the Prairieland Detention Center in Texas, subjected to harsh conditions, including being shackled, transferred without food or water, and denied timely access to calls
Deportation Attempts
Around June 12, to what they described as the “border of Israel,” coinciding with regional airstrikes
Around June 30, despite a federal court order forbidding her removal from Texas
She was finally released on July 1/2, with her green card Form I‑130 having been approved on June 27, though ICE continued to dispute the timing and reasons
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Legal and Human Rights Implications
Sakeik described her treatment as dehumanizing—“moved like cattle. handcuffed for hours, and housed in unhygienic, insect-infested conditions
She emphasized that her stateless status is not a crime: “I did lose five months of my life because I was criminalized for being stateless
Sakeik plans to use her platform to advocate for others in detention, spotlighting abuses and pushing for humane treatment and legal reform
DIGI MERCH STORE PRINT ON DEMAND
What’s Next for Ward
With her I‑130 approved and green card process underway, her status likely transitions from detention to conditional permanent residence, paving the way for eventual U.S. citizenship
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She has vowed to continue advocacy for her fellow detainees, sharing art and stories to humanize others still held.
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