Story perspectives

ICE Detains Israeli Teacher, Threatens Deportation Over Protest

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 2:19 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Israeli citizen Yehonatan Ovadia, threatening his deportation.
Ovadia, a 35-year-old Satmar Hasidic teacher, joined a November 2023 Ramapo flag protest.
He pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in February 2024, paying $200 plus $125 in fees.
USCIS denied his September 2025 visa extension, and his status ended when the visa expired in November 2025.
His attorneys argue the deportation threatens his anti-Zionist religious speech.

1 of 1

Story summary

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Israeli citizen Yehonatan Ovadia, threatening his deportation.
Ovadia, a 35-year-old Satmar Hasidic teacher, joined a November 2023 Ramapo flag protest.
He pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in February 2024, paying $200 plus $125 in fees.
USCIS denied his September 2025 visa extension, and his status ended when the visa expired in November 2025.
His attorneys argue the deportation threatens his anti-Zionist religious speech.