ICE Detains Truck Driver Applying for Green Card
A truck driver applying for a green card was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a routine inspection. Ahmed Nenni, a 29-year-old Mauritanian national, was stopped at a weigh station in northern Indiana on October 16, 2023. His wife, Elizabeth Nenni, reported that he was apprehended while completing his delivery route.
Details of the Detainment
ICE and Indiana State Police took Ahmed Nenni into custody around 11:30 a.m. his wife stated. The couple’s immigration journey has been complicated, as they are currently grappling with ongoing asylum claims and a pending marriage I-130 application, which is necessary for family sponsorship of a green card. Elizabeth, a U.S. citizen and chiropractic assistant, emphasized her husband’s clean record and tax-paying status. “He has never had a criminal record,” she remarked.
Background Information
- Name: Ahmed Nenni
- Age: 29
- Nationality: Mauritanian
- Date of Detainment: October 16, 2023
- Location of Detainment: Weigh station in northern Indiana
- Commercial Driver’s License Issued By: Michigan
- Employer: Zain Express, Michigan
- Asylum Claim Date: September 15, 2023
- Scheduled Immigration Hearing: 2027 in New York
Operation Midway Blitz
ICE’s recent detainment of Ahmed is part of “Operation Midway Blitz,” a campaign targeting undocumented truck drivers. This initiative has resulted in the arrests of 140 migrant drivers. The operation has faced criticism for disproportionately impacting migrants, while supporters argue it is essential for enforcing laws and ensuring road safety.
Conditions and Concerns
Elizabeth Nenni expressed her distress over the conditions her husband has faced in custody. Upon arrest, Ahmed was reportedly shackled with handcuffs, ankle cuffs, and a waist chain. During his transfer, he was denied basic amenities such as access to a restroom and water.
To cope with food limitations, Elizabeth has been sending money for him to purchase essentials from the detention center’s commissary, which primarily offers inexpensive items like ramen noodles and canned goods. “He has been treated less than a human,” she stated, referring to the dietary restrictions due to his religious beliefs.
Current Situation
As of now, Ahmed Nenni remains in ICE custody, awaiting further immigration proceedings. Elizabeth has indicated that Ahmed has considered voluntary deportation as the best option, which is a heartbreaking decision for them. “Every day I cry about our situation,” she concluded. Both Ahmed and Elizabeth seek to reclaim their lives and hope for a resolution to their challenging circumstances.
