A long-term resident of Arlington, Texas, Dung Thach, faces deportation after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained him in July 2025 during his attempt to renew his residency papers. Thach’s case has drawn national attention, especially since his wife had publicly posted “I Stand With ICE,” highlighting the personal impact of immigration enforcement on families, even those who support such policies.
Thach, who has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 since 1980, was taken into custody in North Texas. The specific facility where he is being held has not been disclosed. While his exact immigration status remains unclear, his detention follows a pattern of ICE actions targeting individuals during routine residency renewals. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, ICE has continued to enforce strict policies, detaining people if any issues arise with their documentation or status.
ICE’s approach since 2024 has included detaining individuals during the renewal of residency documents, especially if there are questions about their legal status. This reflects a continuation of enforcement priorities seen during the Trump administration, where mass deportations and aggressive actions became more common. Under current policies, people detained during renewals often face removal proceedings unless they can prove their legal right to stay or qualify for relief such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status.
The impact on families is significant. Detentions like Thach’s can disrupt family stability, especially when the person has lived in the community for decades. Immigration advocates stress the human cost, pointing out that long-term residents with deep roots are often caught in these enforcement actions. On the other hand, ICE officials argue that upholding immigration laws is necessary, even during routine processes like residency renewals.
The situation in Arlington also highlights the complex relationship between personal beliefs and real-life consequences. Thach’s wife’s public support for ICE stands in sharp contrast to her husband’s detention, showing how political views and personal experiences can collide.
For those facing similar situations, understanding the process is crucial:
- Application Submission: Residents file a renewal application, such as Form I-90 for permanent residents.
- USCIS Review: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services checks the application and verifies status.
- ICE Notification: If there are problems, USCIS may alert ICE.
- ICE Detention: ICE can detain the person if their status is in question.
- Legal Proceedings: The individual appears before an immigration judge to contest removal.
- Outcome: Possible results include release, adjustment of status, or deportation.
Legal help is available, but access varies. Many nonprofits offer support to detained immigrants. The ICE official website provides information on enforcement policies and a detainee locator tool.
| Country/Type | Visa Category | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Residency Renewal | Immediate for Application Submission |
| USA | Residency Renewal | Varies for USCIS Review |
| USA | Residency Renewal | Immediate upon ICE Notification |
| USA | Residency Renewal | Varies depending on Legal Proceedings |
Looking ahead, enforcement is expected to remain strong, with ICE focusing on residency renewals and status checks. No major reforms have been made as of mid-2025, but cases like Thach’s may increase calls for change. For now, families in Arlington and beyond must stay informed and seek legal advice if facing similar risks.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. agency enforcing immigration laws, including detention and deportation of individuals lacking legal status.
Residency Renewal → The process by which permanent residents update or extend their lawful status documentation.
Form I-90 → Official USCIS form used by permanent residents to renew or replace their green cards.
Removal Proceedings → Legal process where an immigration judge decides if a person should be deported from the U.S.
Adjustment of Status → A legal procedure allowing a non-citizen to become a lawful permanent resident without leaving the U.S.
This Article in a Nutshell
In Arlington, ICE detained long-term resident Dung Thach during his 2025 residency renewal. Despite his decades in the U.S., status questions triggered enforcement. The case highlights ongoing, strict ICE policies affecting families and the importance of understanding legal renewal processes amidst rising detention rates nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
