Esther Ngoy Tekele, a Vermont resident and green card holder originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, was detained by ICE at the U.S.-Canada border on July 6, 2025. She was returning from a family event in Canada when border officials stopped her, citing a minor discrepancy in her marital status on a past visa application. This incident highlights growing concerns over increased immigration enforcement at U.S. borders, even for legal permanent residents.
Immediate Detention and Family Separation
Esther’s detention happened without warning. She was separated from her family, and for three days, her relatives and lawyer did not know where she was being held. According to her family, this sudden disappearance caused deep distress and confusion. Esther’s case is not unique—many legal residents now face similar risks at the U.S.-Canada border, especially as ICE steps up enforcement efforts.
Why Was Esther Detained?
ICE claimed that Esther had provided incorrect information about her marital status on her visa application years ago. Even though she held a valid green card, this small mistake triggered her detention and the start of deportation proceedings. Esther was eventually released on bond, but she must now attend a court hearing on July 31, 2025, to determine if she can remain in the United States 🇺🇸.
Growing Trend: Legal Residents Targeted at the Border
Esther’s experience is part of a larger pattern in 2025. ICE and border officials have increased their focus on legal permanent residents at the U.S.-Canada border and other entry points. Many people with green cards now face:
- Extended secondary inspections (extra questioning and document checks)
- Detentions for minor or old paperwork issues
- Denials of reentry for problems that previously did not affect their status
For example, Christopher Landry, a Canadian permanent resident of the United States 🇺🇸, was recently denied reentry after a long history of lawful travel. Cynthia Olivera, a Canadian-born woman, was arrested by ICE during her green card interview in California and detained in Texas, despite living in the United States 🇺🇸 for decades.
Policy Changes Fueling Stricter Enforcement
The federal budget bill signed on July 4, 2025, called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” has played a major role in these changes. This law provides funding to:
- Hire thousands of new border and immigration officers
- Expand detention centers
- Increase annual deportations to over one million people
| Country/Type | Visa Category | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| USA | H1B | 3-6 months |
| USA | Detention Notification | Variable, often takes days |
| USA | Bond Hearing | Typically within a few days to weeks |
| USA | Court Proceedings | Varies, can take months depending on case complexity |
With more staff and resources, ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have more power to stop, question, and detain travelers at the border, including those with green cards.
Legal and Emotional Impact on Immigrant Communities
These new enforcement practices have created a climate of fear and uncertainty for many immigrants. Legal experts warn that even small mistakes or old issues—like a forgotten detail on a visa form—can now lead to detention or deportation. Families worry about being separated, and many are unsure if they will be allowed to return home after traveling abroad.
Advocacy groups, such as the Association of Africans Living in Vermont, have stepped in to help. They provide legal support, help families locate detained loved ones, and work with elected officials to raise awareness. U.S. Representative Becca Balint’s office has also offered political support for Esther and others in similar situations.
Step-by-Step: What Happens When a Legal Resident Is Detained at the Border
When a legal permanent resident like Esther faces detention at the border, the process usually follows these steps:
- Detention at the Border: ICE or CBP officers may detain the person during secondary inspection if they find a problem with documents or past applications.
- Notification and Legal Help: Families and lawyers often struggle to find out where the person is being held. Advocacy groups can help track down detainees and connect them with legal aid.
- Bond Hearing: The detainee can ask for a bond hearing to be released while waiting for court dates.
- Court Proceedings: An immigration judge reviews the case, focusing on the alleged problem (like a marital status discrepancy) and the person’s immigration history.
- Deportation Orders: If the judge finds the person inadmissible or in violation of immigration law, they may order deportation.
- Appeals and Relief: The person can appeal the decision, file motions to reopen the case, or apply for other forms of relief.
- Deportation or Reentry: If deported, the person may be banned from returning to the United States 🇺🇸 for years. If allowed to stay, they can resume their life under certain conditions.
Official Positions and Stakeholders
- ICE and CBP: These agencies say they are simply enforcing the law. They have not commented on specific cases but stress that their job is to protect the border and uphold immigration rules.
- U.S. Congress: Lawmakers passed the 2025 budget bill to increase border security and enforcement.
- Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the Association of Africans Living in Vermont argue that the new policies go too far and hurt families who have followed the rules.
- U.S. Representatives: Some, including Rep. Becca Balint, are working to support affected residents and push for fairer policies.
- Canadian Government: While aware of cases involving Canadian citizens, officials say they cannot intervene in United States 🇺🇸 immigration decisions.
Expert Opinions: Risks of Expanded Border Authority
Immigration law experts say that giving border officers more power can lead to unfair treatment of legal residents. Small mistakes or old issues that once had little impact can now result in detention or deportation. This shift may violate basic ideas of fairness and due process, making it harder for immigrants to feel secure in their status.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes reflect a political climate that favors strict enforcement over compassion or flexibility. As a result, more legal residents may end up in court or face removal for reasons that would not have mattered in the past.
Real-Life Impact: Esther’s Story and Others Like Hers
Esther Ngoy Tekele’s case shows how these policies affect real people. She has lived in Vermont for years, built a life in the United States 🇺🇸, and followed the rules. Yet a small mistake on a visa form now threatens her future and her family’s stability.
Other cases, like those of Christopher Landry and Cynthia Olivera, show that this is not an isolated problem. Many legal residents now fear traveling outside the country, worried they might not be allowed back in or could face detention for minor issues.
What Can Legal Residents Do to Protect Themselves?
Given the current climate, legal experts and advocacy groups recommend several steps for green card holders and other immigrants:
- Double-check all immigration documents for accuracy before traveling. Even small mistakes can cause problems.
- Carry copies of important documents (green card, passport, past visa applications) when crossing the border.
- Consult an immigration lawyer before traveling if you have any concerns about your status or past paperwork.
- Inform family and friends of your travel plans and check in regularly.
- Know your rights if detained. You have the right to ask for a lawyer and to remain silent until you speak with one.
For more information on your rights and what to do if detained, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official website.
Advocacy and Community Support
Local groups and legal aid organizations play a key role in helping those affected by these policies. They can:
- Help families locate detained loved ones
- Provide legal representation or referrals
- Advocate for fair treatment and policy changes
- Offer emotional support and resources
If you or someone you know is facing detention or deportation, reaching out to these organizations can make a big difference.
Long-Term Outlook: What’s Next for Border Enforcement?
Enforcement at the U.S.-Canada border and other entry points is expected to remain strict through 2025 and beyond. ICE and CBP will likely continue to use their expanded authority to question and detain travelers, including green card holders, for even minor issues.
Legal challenges and advocacy efforts may lead to some changes in the future, but as of July 2025, no major reforms have been announced. Immigrants should be prepared for longer inspections, more questions, and the possibility of detention if any problems are found with their documents.
Calls for Reform and Fairness
Many advocates and lawmakers are calling for changes to make the system fairer. They argue that legal residents who have built lives in the United States 🇺🇸 should not face deportation for small mistakes or old paperwork issues. Some suggest:
- Limiting the power of border officers to detain legal residents for minor discrepancies
- Providing more training to officers on how to handle these cases fairly
- Creating clearer guidelines for when detention or deportation is appropriate
Until such reforms are made, legal residents must remain vigilant and seek legal advice when needed.
Conclusion: Staying Informed and Prepared
The case of Esther Ngoy Tekele at the U.S.-Canada border is a warning for all legal permanent residents. Even those with green cards and long histories in the United States 🇺🇸 can face detention and possible deportation for small mistakes. The current enforcement environment means that accuracy and preparation are more important than ever.
If you are a green card holder or know someone who is, take steps to protect your status. Stay informed about policy changes, keep your documents up to date, and seek help if you have any concerns. Community organizations, legal aid groups, and supportive lawmakers can provide guidance and support during these uncertain times.
For official information on border crossing and inspection policies, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website. Staying connected to reliable sources and advocacy groups can help you respond quickly if problems arise.
By understanding the risks and knowing your rights, you can better protect yourself and your family in today’s challenging immigration landscape.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and border security.
Green Card → Official document granting legal permanent residency and permission to live and work in the United States.
Secondary Inspection → Additional border screening where travelers undergo further questioning and document verification.
Deportation Proceedings → Legal process to remove a non-citizen from the United States for immigration violations.
Bond Hearing → Court hearing to determine if a detained immigrant can be released while awaiting case resolution.
This Article in a Nutshell
Esther Ngoy Tekele’s detention at the U.S.-Canada border shows stricter ICE enforcement targeting legal residents over minor visa application mistakes. Despite holding a green card, she faces deportation hearings. New laws fund increased border staffing and detentions, raising immigrant community fears and highlighting the need for awareness and legal preparedness.
— By VisaVerge.com
