For our client from Cameroon, the path to safety abruptly turned into a frightening ordeal.
He had been living and working lawfully in the United States, supporting himself as a nursing assistant and continuing his education. But after his Temporary Protected Status expired and he lost his job, he made the difficult choice to travel toward Canada to seek safety and pursue asylum.
During that journey in October 2025, he stopped at a gas station — a routine moment that changed everything. Border patrol officers approached him and immediately placed him under arrest. He was held for two days and then transferred to another local county jail in Upstate New York. His family did not know where he was, whether he was safe, or why he had been taken into custody. Only after persistent calls did they learn he had been issued an ICE detainer and was now in immigration detention.
When he was finally able to contact a relative, she reached out to McBean Law right away, desperate for answers and help.
Our client had no criminal history, no prior arrests, and a consistent record of lawfully working and studying in the United States. He originally entered the country on an F-1 student visa in 2022 and later enrolled in pre-nursing and related courses before receiving TPS. But returning to Cameroon was not an option. The ongoing civil conflict — especially the targeting of Anglophones — posed a severe threat to his safety. He shared painful details about the murder of a close friend by the military and the violence Anglophones face at checkpoints across the country.
He feared going back. And that fear was well-founded.
What Happened When He Came to McBean Law
Once retained, our office immediately stepped in. We took over all communication with ICE, gathered critical details about his detention, and conducted a full review of his immigration history, TPS status, and asylum-based fear evidence.
Our client was not a danger to the community, had no criminal convictions, and had strong humanitarian factors weighing in his favor. We knew his case required swift, strategic action to secure his release.
Building the Path Forward
We filed a Motion for Bond with the immigration court, requesting both pre-NTA bond and custody redetermination. Our arguments focused on his clean record, community ties, and credible fear of persecution in Cameroon. We also requested conditional parole or bond based on humanitarian grounds, emphasizing the trauma of his detention and the danger he would face if returned to his home country.
A custody redetermination hearing was scheduled for November 2025. In preparation, we developed extensive legal arguments and gathered supporting evidence to demonstrate why he should be released from detention.
The Turning Point
At the hearing, the Immigration Judge reviewed the evidence and granted bond. Shortly after, our client was able to walk out of detention and reunite with his family!
What began as a terrifying and destabilizing experience ended in relief, safety, and a renewed opportunity to continue fighting his case from outside detention. His family expressed profound gratitude knowing he was no longer in custody and could pursue his asylum claim with dignity and stability.
Why Proper Legal Strategy Matters
Detention cases move quickly — and without the right legal intervention, families can be left in confusion, fear, and uncertainty. A strategic bond request, supported by credible evidence and humanitarian considerations, can make the difference between months in detention and a timely release.
At McBean Law, we understand the urgency and emotional weight of detention cases. We work diligently to protect our clients, advocate for their freedom, and build a path toward a safer, more secure future.
If you or a loved one has been detained by ICE or is navigating a complex immigration situation, you do not have to face it alone. Call (914) 898-9488 to schedule a private consultation.
P.S. Every case is different. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Always consult with a licensed immigration attorney about your specific situation.
