Key Takeaways
• Federal judge orders ICE to halt Eyidi Ambila’s deportation after eight months detained in Maine.
• Ambila is stateless; DRC won’t accept him, U.S. won’t grant citizenship, complicating deportation.
• ICE detentions nearly quadrupled from 12,094 in 2024 to 50,000 in first half of 2025.
A federal judge has ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to stop the deportation of Eyidi Ambila, a Maine resident who has spent eight months in detention. This decision, issued on May 27, 2025, comes after a long legal battle and shines a light on the growing concerns about how immigrants are treated in the United States 🇺🇸, especially under current enforcement policies. The case of Eyidi Ambila is not just about one man—it raises questions about due process, the rights of people who are considered “stateless,” and the broader direction of immigration enforcement in the country.
Who Is Eyidi Ambila and Why Is His Case Important?
Eyidi Ambila, 44, has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 since he was seven years old. His family fled the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to escape political persecution. While most of his family members have become U.S. citizens, Ambila has not. His story is complicated by a criminal record: in 2002, he was convicted of felony aggravated assault. After serving his sentence, he received a final deportation order in 2007. However, the DRC refused to accept him back, saying they had no record of his birth. This left Ambila in a legal limbo—he could not be sent back, but he was not allowed to stay freely either.
For years, Ambila lived in Maine under strict conditions, regularly reporting to ICE. In May 2024, he was arrested again and convicted of two misdemeanors, including domestic violence assault. After finishing his sentence in September 2024, he was transferred directly to ICE custody at Cumberland County Jail. There, he remained for eight months, waiting for a judge to review his immigration case—a review that never came.
The Federal Judge’s Emergency Order
On May 27, 2025, a federal judge stepped in and blocked Ambila’s deportation. This happened just days after the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Maine filed a petition arguing that Ambila’s detention was unlawful. The Department of Justice (DOJ) had tried to dismiss the case, saying Ambila was about to be deported to the DRC. But the judge’s order put that plan on hold, at least for now.
The timing of these events is important. According to the ACLU, the government had not tried to deport Ambila for years. But just three days after the ACLU filed its petition, ICE suddenly moved to deport him. Carol Garvan, legal director of the ACLU of Maine, said, “Mr. Ambila has been here for decades, and the government for decades has not removed him. And then, just three days after we filed our habeas petition [for Ambila’s release], it has made incredibly quick movement to try to deport him.”
What Does “Stateless” Mean and Why Does It Matter?
A key part of Ambila’s case is his status as “stateless.” This means no country recognizes him as a citizen. The DRC will not accept him, and the United States 🇺🇸 will not grant him citizenship. ACLU Staff Attorney Anahita Sotoohi explained, “In the absence of a country that will claim him as a citizen, that means that he’s stateless, because there’s no country that will do that. And because he’s stateless, he’s also not deportable.”
Being stateless puts people in a very difficult position. They can be detained for long periods, sometimes without any clear path to release or legal status. They may not have the right to work, travel, or even see their families. In Ambila’s case, this has meant eight months in jail without a judge reviewing his situation.
ICE Detention and Transfers: The Jurisdiction Question
Before the federal judge’s order, ICE transferred Ambila from Cumberland County Jail in Maine to a facility in Burlington, Massachusetts. The government argued that this move put Ambila outside the Maine court’s jurisdiction, meaning the Maine court could no longer decide his case. However, the judge’s emergency order made it clear that the legal process would continue, and Ambila’s deportation would be paused until the court could fully review the case.
The ACLU of Maine reported that, as of the judge’s order, they were not sure exactly where Ambila was being held, but they believed he was still in the United States 🇺🇸. This uncertainty is common in immigration detention cases, where people can be moved between facilities with little notice.
The Legal Arguments: Due Process and Prolonged Detention
The main legal argument from the ACLU is that Ambila’s long detention without a judge’s review violates his right to due process. Due process is a basic legal right that says the government cannot take away a person’s freedom or property without fair procedures, like a hearing before a judge.
- The ACLU argues: Ambila has been held for eight months without seeing a judge about his immigration case. This is too long and unfair, especially since he cannot be deported.
- The government argues: The case should be dismissed because Ambila was scheduled for “imminent removal” to the DRC. They also say the Maine court no longer has authority because Ambila was moved to Massachusetts.
The judge’s emergency order means the court will take more time to look at these arguments before making a final decision.
National Trends: Rising ICE Detention and Deportations
Ambila’s case is not unique. Across the United States 🇺🇸, immigration detention has increased sharply. According to data from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) at Syracuse University, ICE detentions rose from 12,094 in all of fiscal year 2024 to nearly 50,000 in just the first half of fiscal year 2025. This is a huge jump and shows how immigration enforcement has become much stricter.
Some important facts about recent ICE detention trends:
- As of May 4, 2025, 43.4% of people in ICE detention had no criminal record. This is up from 28% the previous year, showing that more people with no criminal history are being detained.
- In New England, including Maine, ICE reported 702 detentions in the first half of fiscal year 2025. This compares to 3,048 for all of 2024.
- A higher percentage of detainees are being deported. In 2025, 94% of those detained in New England were deported, compared to 73% in 2024.
These numbers reflect a shift in enforcement priorities, with more people being detained and deported, even if they have no criminal record.
ICE Detention in Maine: The Role of Cumberland County Jail
Cumberland County Jail (CCJ) has become a major site for ICE detention in Maine. As of April 16, 2025, the jail was holding up to 80 ICE detainees. On March 10, 2025, there were 61 people in ICE custody at CCJ. The ACLU of Maine has raised concerns about the conditions in these facilities, saying that civil rights violations have “historically plagued immigration detention centers.”
The ACLU is also watching how ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) use Maine’s state and local law enforcement and jails to detain immigrants. There are signs that the federal government may be expanding its detention capacity in the region. For example, a federal prison in Berlin, New Hampshire, has started detaining immigrants, which could be used to move detainees out of CCJ and keep ICE operations running smoothly in Portland.
National Picture: Detention Under President Biden and President Trump
Immigration detention has been rising not just in Maine, but across the country. By January 12, 2025, at the end of President Biden’s administration, ICE was detaining 39,703 adults in more than 100 facilities. This was the highest number during Biden’s presidency and much higher than the 14,195 adults detained at the end of President Trump’s first term. However, it’s important to note that the lower number during President Trump’s first term was partly due to COVID-19 health rules, which reduced the number of people in detention.
Since President Trump began his second term, ICE has continued to publish detention statistics as required by law. These numbers show that the trend of rising detention is continuing.
The Human Impact: Ambila’s Family and Mental Health
The long detention has had a deep effect on Ambila and his family. According to ACLU Staff Attorney Anahita Sotoohi, “Being in detention for that long takes an enormous psychological toll. He hasn’t been able to work and provide for his family as much as he’d like to do, it’s difficult for him to be in touch with his children as much as he’d like.” This is a common problem for families affected by immigration detention—parents are separated from their children, and families struggle to make ends meet.
What Happens Next for Eyidi Ambila?
As of May 28, 2025, Ambila is still in the United States 🇺🇸, protected by the federal judge’s emergency order. The legal process will continue, with the ACLU fighting for his release. The judge’s order is only temporary—it stops the deportation while the court looks more closely at whether Ambila’s detention is legal.
The next steps in the case will likely include:
- Further court hearings: The judge will review the arguments from both sides and decide if Ambila should be released or if the government can continue to detain him.
- Possible appeals: If either side disagrees with the judge’s decision, they may appeal to a higher court.
- Ongoing advocacy: The ACLU and other groups will keep pushing for Ambila’s release and for changes to how ICE detains people, especially those who are stateless.
What Does This Mean for Others in Similar Situations?
Ambila’s case is important for many reasons. It highlights the problems faced by people who are stateless and cannot be deported, yet are kept in detention for long periods. It also shows how quickly the government can move to deport someone once legal action is taken on their behalf. For others in similar situations, this case could set a precedent for how courts handle long-term detention and the rights of stateless people.
Key takeaways for immigrants and their families:
- Know your rights: If you or a loved one is detained by ICE, you have the right to legal representation and to challenge your detention in court.
- Stay informed: Immigration laws and policies can change quickly. It’s important to keep up with the latest information from trusted sources.
- Seek help: Organizations like the ACLU and local immigrant advocacy groups can provide support and legal assistance.
Official Resources and Further Reading
For those seeking more information about immigration detention and the rights of detainees, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security provides detailed guidance on ICE detention standards and procedures. This official government page explains what detainees can expect and outlines the rules ICE must follow.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, cases like Ambila’s are becoming more common as immigration enforcement grows stricter and more people find themselves caught in legal limbo. The site reports that legal challenges and advocacy are often the only ways to protect the rights of those facing prolonged detention or deportation.
Conclusion: The Broader Implications
The federal judge’s decision to halt Eyidi Ambila’s deportation is a reminder of the complex and often harsh realities of immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸. It raises important questions about due process, the treatment of stateless people, and the growing use of detention as a tool of immigration policy. As the legal battle continues, Ambila’s case will likely influence how similar cases are handled in the future and may push for changes in how the government treats those who cannot be deported.
For immigrants, families, and advocates, staying informed and seeking legal help remain the best ways to protect their rights in a system that is constantly changing. The outcome of Ambila’s case will be watched closely—not just in Maine, but across the country—as a test of fairness and justice in the immigration system.
Learn Today
Stateless → A person not recognized as citizen by any country, complicating legal deportation processes.
Due Process → Legal principle requiring fair judicial procedures before depriving a person of liberty or rights.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → U.S. federal agency that enforces immigration laws, including detention and deportation.
Habeas Corpus → Legal petition challenging unlawful detention, requiring a court to review imprisonment.
Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) → Research organization providing data on government enforcement activities, including immigration detentions.
This Article in a Nutshell
A federal judge blocked ICE from deporting Eyidi Ambila, a stateless immigrant detained eight months without court review, raising due process concerns amid rising national immigration enforcement.
— By VisaVerge.com
