Story perspectives

Trump Ally's ICE Move Sparks Controversy in Custody Battle

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Paolo Zampolli, a friend of President Trump, allegedly sought help from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain his ex-girlfriend, Amanda Ungaro, amid a custody dispute over their son.
Zampolli contacted ICE official David Venturella after learning Ungaro was jailed on fraud charges and claimed she was in the U.S. illegally.
Venturella arranged for Ungaro's detention, citing the case's importance to someone close to the White House, leading to her deportation.
Both Zampolli and the Department of Homeland Security denied any political motivations for her removal.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 transformed U.S. immigration policy by abolishing national origin quotas, allowing over 300,000 immigrants annually from Latin America and Asia by the 1970s. This shift reflects a historical trend of evolving immigration laws, including the restrictive McCarran-Walter Act of 1952, and highlights ongoing tensions in immigration enforcement, as seen in recent ICE involvement in custody disputes.

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Story summary

Paolo Zampolli, a friend of President Trump, allegedly sought help from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain his ex-girlfriend, Amanda Ungaro, amid a custody dispute over their son.
Zampolli contacted ICE official David Venturella after learning Ungaro was jailed on fraud charges and claimed she was in the U.S. illegally.
Venturella arranged for Ungaro's detention, citing the case's importance to someone close to the White House, leading to her deportation.
Both Zampolli and the Department of Homeland Security denied any political motivations for her removal.

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