Russian family who complained of mistreatment in ICE facility is released after 4 months
Russian Family Released from ICE Custody After Four Months in Detention
A Russian family detained at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas was granted release on Wednesday, ending their four-month stay in immigration custody. The couple, Nikita and Oksana, along with their three children, described their time in detention as harrowing, marked by physical discomfort and emotional strain.
Ordeal in Custody
The family had been held since October, enduring what they claim were substandard conditions. They reported issues such as mold-infested meals, prolonged delays in receiving medical treatment, and sleepless nights under persistent lighting. “Thank God,” Nikita said in Russian, addressing a reporter after the news. “We’re ready.”
Legal and Media Influence
Their release came a week after their attorney submitted a request for medical release and five days following an NBC News article highlighting their struggles. The Department of Homeland Security had initially stated they were required to keep the family in custody until their asylum case was resolved. The reasons for the decision change were not immediately disclosed.
Final Moments and Hopes
Before departing Dilley, the family participated in a video call with their lawyer and a reporter. They chose to reveal only their first names due to fears of retaliation if sent back to Russia. Their demeanor during the call was optimistic, with each child expressing distinct desires: Kirill, 13, longed for a Subway sandwich, while Kamilla, 12, wanted sushi. Konstantin, the four-year-old, missed his favorite stuffed animal, Stitch, which had been taken during their arrest.
Broader Context of Detention Policies
Dilley gained national attention as the Trump administration increased the use of family detention. Advocates raised concerns about potential human rights violations, while DHS maintained that the facility meets standards for housing families and providing adequate care. CoreCivic, the facility’s operator, emphasized health and safety as key priorities for detainees.
Legal Challenges and Asylum Claims
A federal court agreement limits the time minors can be held to 20 days. However, families’ attorneys argue that many are detained for extended periods. DHS previously criticized the settlement, calling it “a tool of the left” that undermines legal processes. Elora Mukherjee, the family’s lawyer and Columbia Law School professor, noted that prolonged detention often forces individuals to abandon their cases, citing similar experiences from New Jersey to Texas.
Political Factors in Their Case
Nikita and Oksana’s decision to stay in the U.S. stems from Nikita’s vocal dissent against Putin’s government. Their release terms were unclear, but they plan to reside with a sponsor family in California and undergo regular check-ins with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This process is standard for ongoing cases, as past administrations used it before the surge in family detentions last year.