Story perspectives

Lawsuit Challenges ICE's 'Blind Removal Policy' Violating Victim Protections

10/29/2025

Summary

Story summary

A lawsuit against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) claims the agency's 'blind removal policy' violates federal crime-victim protections by ignoring pending T-visa applications for victims, including domestic violence and human trafficking.
The suit argues the policy undermines trust in law enforcement.
Plaintiff Yessenia Ruano self-deported to El Salvador with daughters after ICE denied stay during T-visa processing.
Federal officials say removals follow due process and dispute the allegations.

History

Historical Context

The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, enacted by Congress in 2000, aimed to combat human trafficking, allowing victims like Yessenia Ruano to apply for T-visas for legal status. Despite the availability of 5,000 T-visas annually, only 2,000 were issued by 2009. A current lawsuit against ICE underscores ongoing conflicts between immigration enforcement and victim protections, potentially reshaping federal practices.

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Story summary

A lawsuit against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) claims the agency's 'blind removal policy' violates federal crime-victim protections by ignoring pending T-visa applications for victims, including domestic violence and human trafficking.
The suit argues the policy undermines trust in law enforcement.
Plaintiff Yessenia Ruano self-deported to El Salvador with daughters after ICE denied stay during T-visa processing.
Federal officials say removals follow due process and dispute the allegations.

1 / 2