ICE arrests military spouses at USCIS green card interviews in San Diego

Federal immigration officers have arrested several military spouses during green card interviews at a USCIS office in San Diego. These arrests happened as part of stricter enforcement under the Trump era immigration policy. The incidents shocked many families who believed military marriage offered protection during the legal process.

This development raises serious questions about eligibility, enforcement discretion, and the safety of applicants who follow the law and attend scheduled immigration interviews.

What happened in San Diego

ICE officers detained military spouses while they attended marriage-based green card interviews. These interviews are a standard step in the permanent residence process. The arrests reportedly occurred after USCIS interviews concluded and were based on prior immigration violations.

The spouses were married to active duty or veteran members of the U.S. military. Despite those ties, ICE proceeded with enforcement actions inside or immediately outside federal buildings.

This reflects a broader shift toward aggressive interior enforcement.

Why military families are alarmed

Military families have long relied on special consideration in immigration matters. Many assumed marriage to a service member reduced enforcement risk. Recent actions show that the assumption is no longer reliable.

Key concerns include:

• Arrests during lawful compliance

• No warning before interviews

• Increased fear of attending USCIS appointments

• Uncertainty for mixed-status families

These events have created anxiety across military communities nationwide.

How does this fit into 2025 immigration enforcement?

Under current policy, ICE has expanded authority to act on prior removal orders, unlawful entry history, or status violations. Arrests may occur even when the applicant is otherwise eligible for a Green Card through marriage.

Enforcement now prioritizes past violations over present equities such as military marriage, U.S. citizen children, or long residence.

This approach has affected not only military spouses but also other family-based applicants across the country.

Who may be at risk during green card interviews

You may face a higher risk if you have:

• Prior removal or deportation orders

• Past unlawful entry

• Overstays without approved relief

• Missed court hearings

• Old immigration violations not previously enforced

Even if you qualify for a family-based petition, ICE may still act. This affects those applying through Spouse & Fiancé(e) Visas (IR/CR-1, K-1, K-3) Parents, Children & Siblings

What protections may still exist

Some applicants may still qualify for relief depending on the facts. Possible legal paths include:

• Waivers linked to military hardship

• VAWA self-petition if abuse exists

• U Visa for crime victims

• Asylum in limited cases

• SIJ for minors

You can explore these categories through VAWA, U Visa, Asylum, and SIJ. Each case depends on individual history and timing.

What military families should do before interviews

Preparation is critical. Recommended steps:

• Review full immigration history before any interview

• Request FOIA records if past entries or orders exist

• Speak with legal counsel before attending USCIS appointments

• Never assume marriage alone offers protection

• Understand enforcement risks under current policy

For conditional residents, review the Removing Conditions on Residence (I-751) process carefully.

Impact beyond military families

This enforcement trend affects all immigrants who attend USCIS interviews in good faith. Fear of arrest may discourage applicants from pursuing lawful status.

The long-term effect could be fewer applicants completing interviews and more families remaining undocumented out of fear.

This undermines the goal of legal compliance.

Safer paths under current enforcement

Depending on your situation, safer options may include:

• Delaying interviews until legal risks are reviewed

• Filing humanitarian petitions first

• Adjusting strategy for family-based cases

• Exploring Visitor Visa options for lawful travel

• Planning long-term stability through U.S. Citizenship & Naturalization when eligible.

Learn more about lawful options at Visitor Visa, Green Card, U.S. Citizenship & Naturalization

Final guidance

ICE arrests at green card interviews show a sharp shift in enforcement. Military marriage no longer guarantees protection. Every applicant must treat interviews as potential enforcement points.

Legal planning before action matters more than ever.

To review your case confidentially and understand your safest path forward

Visit T.P.L. Global - Book a consultation at https://www.tplglobal.net/consult