Story perspectives

Trump's Policy Traps Asylum Seekers in Lengthy Detention

2/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

A policy restricting release of detainees pending cases has lengthened detention during U.S. President Donald Trump's term.
Felipe Hernandez Espinosa, an asylum-seeker, has been held nearly seven months at Fort Bliss, Texas.
Detainees express confusion and desperation, with some ready to be deported but unable to leave.
Legal advocates say others, including asylum winners, are being held indefinitely.
Hernandez has faced trauma and health issues and has requested to return to Nicaragua.

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Story summary

A policy restricting release of detainees pending cases has lengthened detention during U.S. President Donald Trump's term.
Felipe Hernandez Espinosa, an asylum-seeker, has been held nearly seven months at Fort Bliss, Texas.
Detainees express confusion and desperation, with some ready to be deported but unable to leave.
Legal advocates say others, including asylum winners, are being held indefinitely.
Hernandez has faced trauma and health issues and has requested to return to Nicaragua.