Key facts
- ICE has detained at least a dozen Hong Kong citizens at U.S. airports since June.
- These individuals are protected under a Biden-era directive until Feb. 5, 2027.
- Detainees have reportedly been threatened with indefinite detention or prison.
- One detainee was forced to sign a voluntary departure document.
The Trump administration's immigration policies are reportedly impacting Hong Kong citizens residing in the U.S., with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detaining at least a dozen individuals at airports since June. These detentions are occurring despite a presidential directive from the Biden administration that grants them protected status to live and work in the U.S. until February 5, 2027.
Lawyers representing the detainees stated that ICE agents have threatened them with indefinite detention unless they agree to self-deport. One Hong Kong citizen, who spoke anonymously due to fear of reprisal, recounted being forced to sign a voluntary departure document under threat of imprisonment for months. Academic researchers have identified at least two dozen other individuals from Hong Kong detained this year, though their specific circumstances and current custody status are unclear.