Fact Check: "Sakeik's green card application stalled due to her ICE detention."
What We Know
Ward Sakeik, a Palestinian woman, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shortly after returning from her honeymoon in the U.S. Virgin Islands in February 2025. At the time of her detention, she had a pending green card application. Her husband, Taahir Shaikh, expressed concerns that her detention would jeopardize her immigration status, stating that her green card approval remains on hold as long as she is detained (NBC Washington [source-3]). Sakeik is considered stateless, having been born in Saudi Arabia to Palestinian parents, which complicates her immigration situation (Newsweek [source-5]).
ICE's statement indicated that Sakeik was detained because she was flagged by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when attempting to reenter the U.S. after traveling outside the customs zone (Newsweek [source-5]). Despite her compliance with immigration regulations over the years, her legal status is precarious, and her green card application is effectively stalled due to her detention (NBC Washington [source-3]).
Analysis
The claim that Sakeik's green card application has stalled due to her ICE detention is supported by multiple credible sources. The reports from NBC Washington and Newsweek both detail the circumstances of her detention and the implications for her immigration status. Sakeik's husband has been vocal about the emotional and legal turmoil they are experiencing, emphasizing that her green card application is on hold while she remains in detention (NBC Washington [source-3], Newsweek [source-5]).
ICE's assertion that Sakeik was detained for overstaying her visa and having a final order of removal complicates the narrative but does not negate the fact that her green card application is currently stalled due to her detention. The agency's comments reflect a broader policy stance but do not address the specific impact on Sakeik's pending application (NBC Washington [source-3]).
The sources used in this analysis are reputable news outlets that specialize in immigration issues, lending credibility to the claims made regarding Sakeik's situation.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Sakeik's green card application has stalled due to her ICE detention is accurate. The evidence from multiple credible sources indicates that her detention has directly impacted the processing of her immigration application, leaving her in a vulnerable position without a clear path forward.
Sources
- ICE detains Texas woman on honeymoon despite pending green card application (NBC Washington)
- Husband Fears For Bride Detained by ICE While Returning (Newsweek)
- Animal Games ️ Play on CrazyGames (CrazyGames)
- Zoo Island ️ Play on CrazyGames (CrazyGames)
