Key Takeaways
• ICE detained 24-year-old transgender asylum seeker O-J-M after her Portland immigration court hearing on June 2, 2025.
• O-J-M’s lawyers filed emergency habeas corpus; judge ordered ICE to halt transfers and explain rapid removal.
• USCIS removed non-binary gender markers; expedited removal accelerates deportations without full hearings for many immigrants.
A transgender asylum seeker’s detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after a court appearance in Portland has sparked protests, legal action, and renewed debate over immigration and gender identity policies in the United States 🇺🇸. The case, involving a 24-year-old Mexican woman identified as “O-J-M,” is the first known instance of such a detention in Portland under the current administration’s immigration enforcement approach. The incident has drawn attention from immigrant rights advocates, legal experts, and the broader public, raising questions about due process, the treatment of transgender asylum seekers, and the direction of federal immigration policy.
What Happened: The Detention in Portland
On June 2, 2025, O-J-M attended a scheduled hearing at the Portland Immigration Court. Immediately after leaving the courtroom, ICE agents detained her in the courthouse lobby. According to her attorneys, she was not given a chance to speak with legal counsel before being taken into custody. ICE’s actions were unusual because, instead of continuing with her asylum case, government attorneys moved to dismiss her case and then placed her in expedited removal proceedings—a process that can lead to quick deportation without a full hearing.
Within hours, ICE transferred O-J-M from Portland to the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington. This facility can hold nearly 1,600 immigrants and is known for housing people from across the Pacific Northwest who are facing deportation.
Legal Response: Emergency Court Action
O-J-M’s legal team, including attorneys from Immigrant Law Group and Innovation Law Lab, responded quickly. They filed an emergency habeas corpus petition—a legal action used to challenge unlawful detention—at 2:37 PM on the same day. The petition argued that O-J-M’s detention was wrongful and violated her rights.
U.S. District Court Judge Amy Baggio, who was appointed by President Biden, took several important steps:
- Ordered ICE not to move O-J-M from the Tacoma detention center to any other location.
- Required federal officials to provide the exact time of her transfer and explain why it was done so quickly.
- Confirmed that the court had the authority to review the case because the petition was filed before O-J-M left Oregon.
- Set a deadline for federal officials to respond to the petition by noon on June 5, 2025.
As of June 4, O-J-M’s attorney, Stephen Manning, said he had not been allowed to speak with her since her transfer to Tacoma.
Why Was O-J-M Seeking Asylum?
O-J-M’s asylum claim is based on severe persecution she faced in Mexico 🇲🇽 because of her gender identity and sexual orientation. According to court documents:
- In 2021, she was abducted and raped by members of the Knights Templar cartel.
- The attackers threatened to kill her because she is a transgender woman.
- Fearing for her life, she fled Mexico and arrived at the United States 🇺🇸 border near Calexico, California, on September 16, 2023, to seek asylum.
After arriving, O-J-M was processed by U.S. authorities, detained, and then released on an Order of Release on Recognizance—a document that allows someone to remain free while their case is pending, as long as they check in regularly with ICE. She followed all requirements, attended check-ins, and formally filed her asylum application on February 6, 2025. Immigration officials began removal proceedings against her in April 2025, scheduling her June 2 hearing in Portland.
Her attorney has stated that O-J-M has not committed any crimes while in the United States.
Public Outcry: Protests and Community Response
The detention of a transgender asylum seeker in Portland has led to widespread protests and public concern:
- On June 4, 2025, a “Rally Against Illegal ICE Arrests” was held at Esther Short Park in Vancouver, Washington.
- Protesters gathered outside the federal courthouse in Portland the day after the detention, holding signs such as “Immigrants are not the enemy.”
- Advocacy groups like Oregon for All have worked to bring attention to O-J-M’s case and support her legal fight.
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson released a statement affirming the city’s commitment to sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. However, he also said that Portland “will not obstruct lawful federal enforcement operations,” reflecting the tension between local values and federal authority.
Policy Changes: Immigration and Gender Identity
This case is unfolding during a period of major changes in both immigration enforcement and gender identity policy.
Immigration Enforcement Shifts
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has explained that courthouse arrests are now part of a new approach. Secretary Kristi Noem has reversed the previous administration’s “catch and release” policy, which allowed many people to remain in the United States while their cases were pending. Under the new rules:
- Most people who entered the United States illegally in the past two years can be placed in expedited removal.
- If someone has a valid credible fear of persecution, they can continue in immigration proceedings.
- If not, they face quick deportation.
This approach is part of a wider effort to speed up deportations and reduce the number of people allowed to stay while their cases are decided. Reports show that the administration has already removed several alleged gang members to El Salvador 🇸🇻 and tried to deport a group to South Sudan 🇸🇸, leading to legal challenges.
Gender Marker Policy Change
On March 31, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) changed its policy on gender markers—the way someone’s gender is listed on immigration forms. Now, applicants can only choose “male” or “female.” The previous option for a non-binary or “X” gender marker has been removed.
While this change does not affect who can qualify for immigration benefits, it can make things harder for people whose gender identity does not fit into the male/female categories. For transgender asylum seekers, this may mean:
- Having to pick a gender marker that does not match their lived experience.
- Facing confusion or extra questions during interviews or hearings.
- Needing to provide more explanation or documentation to prove their identity.
Immigration Equality, an advocacy group, called this policy change “a blatant attack on the dignity, safety, and rights of trans immigrants.”
For more information on current gender marker policies, readers can visit the official USCIS Gender Marker Guidance.
The Expedited Removal Process: What It Means
Expedited removal is a fast-track process that allows immigration officers to deport certain people without a full hearing before an immigration judge. It is used mainly for people who have recently entered the United States without permission and do not have valid documents.
Key points about expedited removal:
- People placed in expedited removal can be deported quickly unless they show a credible fear of persecution or torture in their home country.
- If they express fear, they are supposed to get a “credible fear interview” with an asylum officer.
- If the officer finds their fear is credible, they can continue with their asylum case. If not, they can be deported.
O-J-M’s attorneys argue that ICE’s actions in her case were meant to bypass due process and speed up her deportation, denying her the chance to fully present her asylum claim.
For official information on expedited removal, see the U.S. Department of Justice’s EOIR Expedited Removal Fact Sheet.
Risks for Transgender Asylum Seekers in ICE Detention
Transgender asylum seekers like O-J-M face unique dangers in ICE detention:
- Transgender people are at higher risk of violence, sexual assault, and harassment in detention centers.
- They may be placed in facilities that do not match their gender identity, increasing their vulnerability.
- Access to medical care, including hormone therapy, can be limited or denied.
Advocates warn that the combination of aggressive enforcement and limited protections for transgender people can lead to serious harm. Executive orders in 2025 have reportedly targeted people of color, transgender people, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups, making detention and deportation even riskier for these communities.
The removal of non-binary gender markers on immigration forms adds another layer of difficulty, as it can make it harder for some applicants to clearly present their identity—a key part of many asylum claims.
Legal and Policy Implications
The outcome of O-J-M’s case could have far-reaching effects for other transgender asylum seekers and immigrants facing similar situations:
- If the court finds that ICE acted unlawfully, it could set limits on how and when ICE can detain people after court hearings.
- A decision in O-J-M’s favor might strengthen due process protections for asylum seekers, especially those from vulnerable groups.
- If the government’s actions are upheld, it could signal a green light for more aggressive enforcement and faster deportations.
Advocates are watching closely to see how the courts balance the government’s power to enforce immigration laws with the rights of people seeking protection from persecution.
What Stakeholders Need to Know
For immigrants and asylum seekers:
– Always attend scheduled court hearings and ICE check-ins, but be aware that detention is possible even if you follow all rules.
– If detained, ask to speak with an attorney immediately and request a credible fear interview if you fear persecution in your home country.
– Keep copies of all documents, including your asylum application and any orders of release.
For legal advocates and community organizations:
– Monitor ICE activity at courthouses and detention centers.
– Provide rapid legal response and support for vulnerable groups, especially transgender and LGBTQ+ asylum seekers.
– Educate clients about their rights during encounters with ICE.
For policymakers and the public:
– Understand that changes in immigration and gender identity policy can have real-life impacts on people seeking safety in the United States.
– Consider the risks faced by transgender people in detention and the importance of due process protections.
The Road Ahead: What Comes Next
As of now, federal officials have until June 5, 2025, to respond to the court’s order in O-J-M’s case. The outcome will help shape how similar cases are handled in the future and may influence broader debates about immigration enforcement, gender identity, and the rights of asylum seekers.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that this case is a key test for the current administration’s approach to both immigration enforcement and the treatment of transgender people in the immigration system. The eyes of advocates, legal experts, and affected communities are on Portland as the legal battle continues.
For those seeking more information about asylum procedures, including how to file an asylum application, the official USCIS Form I-589 page provides detailed instructions and the latest forms.
Takeaways and Practical Guidance
- Transgender asylum seekers face special risks in ICE detention and may encounter new barriers due to recent policy changes.
- Legal support and community advocacy are critical for protecting the rights of vulnerable immigrants.
- Staying informed about policy shifts and knowing your rights can help you respond quickly if faced with detention or removal.
- Community members and advocates should continue to monitor developments and support those affected by aggressive enforcement actions.
As the situation develops, it is important for everyone involved—immigrants, advocates, policymakers, and the public—to stay informed and engaged. The outcome of this case will not only affect O-J-M but could also shape the future for many others seeking safety and dignity in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for enforcing immigration laws and detaining immigrants.
Asylum Seeker → A person seeking protection in another country due to persecution or threats in their homeland.
Expedited Removal → A fast deportation process allowing quick removal without a full immigration court hearing.
Habeas Corpus → A legal procedure challenging unlawful detention, requiring authorities to justify imprisonment.
USCIS Gender Marker → The gender designation on immigration documents controlled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
This Article in a Nutshell
Transgender asylum seeker O-J-M’s sudden ICE detention after Portland hearing highlights clashes between immigration enforcement, gender identity rights, and due process protections in the U.S. Her case reveals risks for transgender immigrants amid hardening policies and community protests demanding legal justice and humane treatment.
— By VisaVerge.com
