Indian-origin Woman Detained by ICE During Green Card Interview

An Indian-origin woman, Babblejit 'Bubbly' Kaur, has been detained by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a Green Card interview, leaving her family and local community in shock. The incident took place on December 1, 2025, at a biometrics appointment in Long Beach, California, where Kaur has resided since 1994.

At 60 years old, Bubbly Kaur has contributed significantly to her local community as a co-owner of Natraj Cuisine of India and Nepal alongside her husband until the COVID-19 pandemic affected their business. Her family includes three children, among them Joti Kaur, who has legal status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme, and two other children who are United States citizens.

According to reports from Long Beach Watchdog, the situation unfolded when Kaur was at the front desk of the immigration office. Joti Kaur recounted that federal agents entered the building and subsequently called her mother into a room where she was informed of her arrest. Despite her request to speak with her attorney, Kaur was taken into custody after a brief phone call.

The family was not immediately informed of her location, leading to several hours of uncertainty. They later learned through the ICE detainee locator system that she had been transferred to the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, located near Victorville, California. This facility, a former federal prison, is now designated for immigration detention.

Joti Kaur described her mother’s experience as traumatic, stating, "She was really scared. She was loaded into a van full of men with her hands and feet shackled," and emphasised that Bubbly has no criminal record.

The conditions at the Adelanto facility have raised concerns among Kaur’s family. Reports indicate that detainees are housed in large dorm-style rooms with limited privacy and constant noise, making it difficult to rest. Visiting hours are restricted, and family members often endure long waits for brief visits. Joti expressed her distress, calling the situation "inhumane" and highlighting that her mother does not belong in detention.

Congressman Robert Garcia, who represents Long Beach, has publicly condemned the actions of ICE, referring to Kaur's detention as "horrific". He stated, "We are in contact with the family of Bubbly. We will do everything we can to bring her home. These actions continue to terrorise hardworking individuals who contribute positively to our community. We must fight to ensure she is free."

The family is currently preparing additional legal documents to secure Kaur’s release on bond while her case progresses. A GoFundMe campaign initiated by a family friend has successfully raised over $26,000 to cover legal fees and other expenses associated with her detention.

As of this week, Bubbly Kaur remains in custody at the Adelanto processing centre. Her family and supporters are anxiously awaiting updates regarding a potential hearing or her release. No official statement has been issued by the Department of Homeland Security regarding the reasons for her detention.

This incident has sparked discussions about immigration enforcement practices in the United States and the impact on families who have established their lives in the country. The case of Bubbly Kaur illustrates the complexities and emotional toll associated with the immigration process for many individuals seeking to secure their status in the US.