An 18-year-old Bellaire High School student is being held at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility after being arrested by ICE officers in Houston, according to the agency.
ICE identified the student as Alim Garipov, a Russian national. The agency said Garipov was arrested on July 17.
According to ICE, Garipov was admitted to the United States on May 7, 2022, as a nonimmigrant with permission to remain in the country through Nov. 6, 2022. The agency said he did not leave the United States after that date and is now in the country illegally.
In a statement, ICE criticized the previous administration’s immigration policies, saying they allowed people from countries designated by the U.S. Department of State as “countries of particular concern” to remain in the United States. The agency said the Trump administration is committed to enforcing immigration laws and prioritizing national security and public safety.
ICE also said that a pending immigration application does not grant lawful immigration status or prevent someone from being detained or deported. The agency added that employment authorization, commonly referred to as a work permit, does not confer legal status or shield someone from immigration enforcement.
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, whose congressional district includes the area where Garipov lives, said her office is working with his family and is in contact with the federal agencies involved in the case.
ICE did not release additional details about Garipov’s detention, including where he is being held or whether he has legal representation.
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