A new ICE memo threatens the rights of immigrant veterans, sparking outrage and fear among those who served.
Story Highlights
- A Georgia Army veteran remains in ICE detention for months after a policy shift.
- ICE rescinded previous protections for veterans, leading to increased deportations.
- Congressional Democrats demand data on detained and deported veterans.
- Stewart Detention Center criticized for poor conditions and high death rates.
Veterans Face Increased Risks Under New Policies
A recent internal memo from ICE, issued in April 2025, has rescinded previous guidance that protected veterans from deportation. This change allows for the detention and deportation of veterans with honorable discharges, leaving many who have served the country vulnerable. The decision has already affected several individuals, including a Georgia-based U.S. Army veteran and grandfather who has been detained for months at the Stewart Detention Center.
The memo represents a significant shift in enforcement priorities under President Trump’s second term, prioritizing the deportation of non-citizens with any criminal history. The lack of statutory protection means that policy changes can occur swiftly, leaving veterans like this Georgia resident in precarious situations.
Impact on Families and Communities
The detention of veterans has a profound impact on their families and communities. For the veteran in Georgia, his detention has meant separation from his family and a potential loss of VA benefits, a situation that has garnered significant media attention and outrage. The Stewart Detention Center, where he is held, has been criticized for its harsh conditions and high death rates, raising additional concerns about the treatment of detainees.
The situation has created fear among non-citizen veterans and their families, discouraging them from contacting law enforcement for fear of deportation. This fear is compounded by the lack of transparency from ICE, which has not provided detailed statistics on veteran detentions despite congressional requests.
Calls for Legislative Protection
The case of the detained Georgia veteran underscores the need for legislative action to protect those who have served in the military. Advocacy groups and some members of Congress are calling for statutory protections that would safeguard veterans from deportation, regardless of administrative policy changes. Such protections would offer a more stable and secure environment for non-citizen veterans who have already sacrificed much for the country.
Without legislative intervention, the current environment under the Trump administration continues to threaten the rights and lives of immigrant veterans. The broader implications of these policies could affect military recruitment and morale, as potential recruits may question the security of their status post-service.
Sources:
Deported After Service: Immigrant Veterans and Deportation
US Citizen and Army Veteran Submits Claims for Unconstitutional Immigration Detention
