Reports of Possible ICE Detentions at Green Card Interviews in San Diego

Preparing for your green card interview is a big moment, and you deserve to feel as ready as possible. As you organize your documents and plan for the appointment, we want to share some recent reports from one USCIS office that may be important for certain applicants to know about.

What Attorneys Are Reporting

Several immigration attorneys in Southern California say they have seen a concerning pattern at the San Diego USCIS field office. According to their accounts, ICE has detained applicants who are out of status during green card interviews, even when those individuals:

• Entered the United States legally
• Have no criminal history
• Are married to U.S. citizens or otherwise eligible to adjust status
• Are attending a routine adjustment‑of‑status interview

Attorney Saman Nasseri reported that five of his clients were detained in a single week. His detained clients happened to be spouses of U.S. citizens applying for marriage‑based green cards, but his description of ICE actions centered on visa overstays, not the specific type of case.

For many families, this is unsettling. Under U.S. immigration law, spouses of U.S. citizens are typically allowed to adjust status inside the country even if they overstayed a visa, and most applicants attend their interviews without incident. That’s why these detentions have raised concern among immigration attorneys.

Attorney Habib Hasbini has also reported similar cases and emphasized that this pattern so far, as of the date of this post, appears specific to the San Diego USCIS office. He noted that attorneys in other counties have not reported the same activity. As of now, these reports remain limited to this single field office.

What This Could Mean for You

If your green card interview is scheduled at the San Diego USCIS office, these reports may be important to consider, especially if you have ever:

• Overstayed a visa
• Fallen out of status
• Had gaps or complications in your immigration history

Even though these reports seem limited to one office, it’s always helpful—no matter where your interview is—to take a few proactive steps so you feel prepared:

• Consult an experienced immigration attorney, particularly if you have a past overstay or status issue
• Ask about potential risks, including whether attorney representation at the interview is recommended
• Make a family plan, especially if your household relies on you and you’re concerned about possible delays or detention

These actions do not mean something will happen—they simply help ensure you and your family are prepared.

We’re Here to Support You

The green card process can feel stressful, especially when unexpected reports like these surface. Boundless is here to help you understand your options, stay informed, and connect with legal support if needed.

To learn more about green cards and the application process, refer to The Green Card, Explained.

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