Key Takeaways
• Fabian Schmidt, a green card holder, was detained for nearly two months after returning to Logan Airport in March 2025.
• His detention involved lack of medical care and unclear justification, raising concerns over treatment by ICE and CBP.
• Community and media attention pressured authorities, but ICE and CBP never clarified the reasons for Schmidt’s prolonged detention.
When Fabian Schmidt, a green card holder living in New Hampshire, landed at Logan Airport after a short trip to Luxembourg, he expected to return to his daily life with his family. Instead, what followed was a nearly two-month ordeal that has raised many questions about how federal agencies treat lawful permanent residents and handle alleged immigration concerns. Schmidt’s journey from the airport to detention, and eventually to freedom, underscores the complexities and sometimes unpredictable nature of immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸. As reported by VisaVerge.com, his case is notable for both the unusual length of his detention and the unanswered questions about what led to his arrest and release.
Arrival at Logan Airport and Initial Detention
On a day in March 2025, Fabian Schmidt returned to the United States 🇺🇸 through Logan Airport in Boston. Schmidt, an electrical engineer who has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 since 2007, had recently traveled from Germany via Luxembourg. He had lived in New Hampshire for several years, after previously spending time in California.
Upon arrival, Schmidt was stopped by immigration officers. His mother and partner later shared that Schmidt was subjected to hours of questioning by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. During this process, he was reportedly:
- Interrogated for many hours.
- Stripped naked and placed in a cold shower by officials.
- Pressured to hand over his green card.
- Not given food or water for long periods.
- Not allowed to sleep and kept awake for an extended time.
- Denied important medication he uses for anxiety and depression.
Schmidt’s partner and mother said the treatment took a serious toll on his health. They said the lack of water and medicine caused him to collapse while in custody. He was taken by ambulance to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was treated for the flu.
CBP officers have denied that Schmidt was mistreated during his time at the airport. They did say that people with past drug-related issues, even if old or dismissed, can be questioned more closely when reentering the country. CBP did not specifically respond to most of the claims made by Schmidt’s family about the conditions he endured or the exact reason for his long questioning.
Background: Who Is Fabian Schmidt?
Fabian Schmidt is a lawful permanent resident—often called a green card holder—originally from Germany. He moved to the United States 🇺🇸 with his mother in 2007. In his professional life, Schmidt is described as a hardworking electrical engineer.
He has settled in New Hampshire with his partner and their daughter, who are both U.S. citizens. According to family members, Schmidt prides himself on his work and role in the community. He renewed his green card recently, as required by law.
Previous Legal Issue
The only criminal issue in Schmidt’s past was a misdemeanor from 2015 in California related to marijuana possession. At that time, marijuana laws in California were changing, and his case was dismissed. A hearing related to this charge took place, but Schmidt missed it because he had moved and did not get notice at his new address. There were no outstanding court matters or new legal problems on his record at the time of his trip.
The Detention Process
After being treated at the hospital, Schmidt was not released. Instead, he was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and transferred to the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls, Rhode Island. He remained here for almost two months.
During this time, his family and legal team tried to learn more about why he was detained. They used social media and other platforms to make his story public, sharing updates and photos including those of Schmidt’s daughter holding signs asking for his return.
ICE and CBP did not share clear reasons for his detention. When the media asked for comment, neither agency explained why Schmidt was held for so long, or what made them decide to let him go in May. His attorney declined to comment further after his release.
The Impact of Detention
Schmidt’s time in custody left him, his family, and many in the local community with difficult questions. Many advocates for immigrants worry that the process for detaining green card holders like Schmidt is not as transparent as it should be.
- Family members said the time apart was especially hard for Schmidt’s young daughter.
- Schmidt missed weeks of work and family life.
- His partner described feeling powerless, not knowing when or if Schmidt would come home.
Schmidt’s story also highlights concerns about how people with medical needs are treated while in immigration detention. Not having access to medicine or basic care can make existing health problems much worse.
The Official Response and Broader Issues
The official line from CBP is that anyone with a history involving drug offenses may face detailed review and further questioning—regardless of updates to the law or dismissal of charges. However, Schmidt’s supporters argue that the law is not clear on what old, dismissed, or minor charges mean for a green card holder’s ability to reenter the country.
Many believe that Schmidt’s lengthy time in detention, especially with no new criminal issues and as the holder of a recently renewed green card, raises troubling issues:
- Why did the dismissed charge from 2015 play any role, given California’s changed laws?
- What are the standards used by CBP and ICE when deciding to detain green card holders at the border?
- How often do lawful permanent residents, like Schmidt, find themselves in similar situations?
So far, neither ICE nor CBP has given detailed public answers to these specific questions.
Context: Treatment of Green Card Holders at U.S. Ports of Entry
Lawful permanent residents, or green card holders, usually enjoy strong rights to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸. However, returning from international travel can sometimes present challenges—even for those with clean records.
People returning to the United States 🇺🇸 at airports like Logan Airport are checked by CBP officers. This can include extra review for people flagged for old legal issues, immigration history, or security checks.
- CBP officers have the power to question, search, or hold a traveler for further screening.
- In rare cases, people may be taken into custody if there are unresolved concerns.
Green card holders have the right to enter the United States 🇺🇸 unless they are found to have committed serious crimes or immigration violations. Simple mistakes, like missing a court notice after moving, can sometimes trigger problems for lawful permanent residents returning to the U.S.
To learn more about permanent resident rights and responsibilities, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides detailed resources on their official website.
Reactions and Public Attention
Schmidt’s detention did not go unnoticed. His family’s social media posts and coverage in local news drew attention to his case. Friends, neighbors, and people from across New Hampshire followed updates, expressing support for Schmidt and his family.
Several advocacy organizations that help immigrants also spoke up, sharing concerns about how cases like Schmidt’s are handled. They pointed to the need for better treatment, transparency, and legal protections for all green card holders.
While the case received some media focus, wider questions remain. Do lawful permanent residents have enough legal protection when traveling? Are there clear rules for government agencies about how to treat people like Schmidt, especially regarding their medical or family situations?
Release and Aftermath
On a Thursday night in early May—possibly May 8 or May 9, based on social media and public records—Fabian Schmidt was released from detention. Loved ones posted photos of him reunited with family, smiling and holding his daughter. ICE no longer lists Schmidt as being held at the Wyatt Detention Facility.
After his release, there were no statements from Schmidt himself or his attorney. ICE and CBP provided no new details about why he was finally released after so long, or what might have changed their decision.
The lack of clear answers has left Schmidt’s supporters uncertain, but relieved that he is back home.
Key Takeaways: What Does Schmidt’s Case Mean for Others?
The experience of Fabian Schmidt, a green card holder living in New Hampshire and detained after landing at Logan Airport, is not unique. Similar stories have happened to others. Here are important points that come out of Schmidt’s case:
- Green card holders, even with a long record of living and working in the U.S., may face unexpected problems after international travel.
- Old or even dismissed legal charges, especially related to drugs, can trigger intense questioning or even detention—even if state laws have changed.
- The process for reviewing and holding lawful permanent residents is not always clear or fast, especially when federal agencies do not fully explain their actions.
- Issues with access to medical care during detention remain a worry for families and advocates.
- Lack of information given to families and lawyers can make these situations much harder for everyone involved.
People in similar situations may wish to contact immigration lawyers if questioned by border agents upon reentry. They should also ensure that their address is updated with immigration authorities and with any court handling old legal matters.
Questions Still Unanswered
Neither ICE nor CBP has answered some of the main questions raised by Schmidt’s experience:
- Why did Schmidt’s old, dismissed marijuana charge lead to so much scrutiny?
- What exact standard do agencies use to decide how to treat returning green card holders?
- What can be done to improve care for detainees with medical needs?
- How can families stay informed and involved when a loved one is held by ICE?
As of now, these are issues that families, legal advocates, and even some lawmakers are still discussing.
Final Thoughts
Fabian Schmidt’s story shows how even lawful permanent residents, with strong ties to the United States and U.S. citizen family members, can face unexpected and sometimes harsh treatment at the border. While Schmidt was eventually freed, his case makes clear that being a green card holder does not always protect someone from long periods of detention and uncertainty.
VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals that more awareness of the rules and steps to protect one’s rights could prevent some of these hardships. Anyone traveling outside the U.S. as a permanent resident should keep personal records up to date, consult an immigration lawyer if unsure, and stay informed about their rights when interacting with border officers.
For those seeking more information about rights and what to expect as a green card holder, the USCIS official page offers guidance and answers to common questions. Schmidt’s ordeal serves as a reminder that the immigration system can be complex, and even those who have followed the rules can sometimes face unexpected challenges.
Learn Today
Green card holder → A foreign national granted permanent residence in the United States, allowing them to live and work indefinitely.
CBP (Customs and Border Protection) → A federal agency responsible for enforcing laws regarding entry into the United States at borders and airports.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) → A federal agency that enforces immigration laws, including detaining and removing individuals without legal status.
Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility → A federal detention center in Rhode Island where individuals, including immigrants, can be held by ICE.
Misdemeanor → A minor criminal offense, less severe than a felony, that may still impact immigration status if drug-related.
This Article in a Nutshell
When Fabian Schmidt, a New Hampshire green card holder, returned from Luxembourg in March 2025, he never expected detention. Yet, he endured almost two months of confinement, with family and advocates questioning the lack of transparency from immigration agencies. Schmidt’s case exposes complex, sometimes harsh realities US permanent residents can unexpectedly face.
— By VisaVerge.com
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