Fact Check: Texas couple separated for over 120 days due to ICE detention during honeymoon
What We Know
A Texas couple, Taahir Shaikh and Ward Sakeik, has been separated for over 120 days due to Sakeik's detention by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) during their honeymoon in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The couple was stopped by authorities upon their arrival in St. Thomas in February 2025, where Sakeik was detained despite having a pending green card application and documentation of her stateless status. Sakeik, born in Saudi Arabia to Palestinian parents, has been considered stateless her entire life, as Saudi officials do not recognize her as a national (Independent, Daily Mail).
Sakeik's family came to the U.S. on a visa when she was eight years old, but their asylum request was denied. Consequently, they were placed under an order of supervision, requiring annual check-ins with immigration authorities (NBC DFW). Despite complying with immigration regulations for 14 years, Sakeik was detained when attempting to re-enter the U.S. after their honeymoon (NBC Washington).
ICE stated that Sakeik's arrest was not part of a targeted operation and that she had overstayed her visa, with a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge over a decade ago (Independent, Daily Mail).
Analysis
The claim that the Texas couple has been separated for over 120 days due to ICE detention during their honeymoon is supported by multiple credible sources. The timeline of events, including the couple's honeymoon in February 2025 and the subsequent detention of Sakeik, is consistently reported across various outlets (Independent, NBC DFW, NBC Washington).
The sources provide detailed context about Sakeik's immigration status, her statelessness, and the legal complexities surrounding her situation. For instance, her status as a stateless individual complicates her immigration case, as she cannot be deported to a country that does not recognize her as a citizen (Daily Mail).
ICE's response to the situation, which emphasizes Sakeik's overstayed visa and previous final order of removal, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. However, the reliability of ICE's statements can be questioned, given the agency's history of controversial practices and policies regarding immigration enforcement (NBC DFW).
Overall, the evidence indicates that the couple's separation due to ICE detention is factual, and the circumstances surrounding Sakeik's detention are well-documented.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that a Texas couple has been separated for over 120 days due to ICE detention during their honeymoon is accurate. The timeline, details of Sakeik's immigration status, and the couple's experiences are corroborated by multiple credible sources. The situation highlights significant issues related to immigration enforcement and the complexities faced by stateless individuals in the U.S.
