Vasamsetty, a grandmother who works with special-needs students, was detained during a scheduled inspection. (Photo: Change.org Petition)Venkata Vasamsetty, an Indian-origin US green card holder who has lived in the country for 27 years, has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in North Carolina. Her detention came months after an immigration judge dismissed a deportation case against her.Vasamsetty, a grandmother who works with special-needs students, was detained during a scheduled inspection and is currently being held at the Irwin County Detention Center in Georgia, according to ICE’s Online Detainee Locator System.The detention came months after an immigration judge dismissed the Trump administration’s earlier deportation case against her, New York City-based news organisation Newsweek reported.Why did US seek to deport Venkata Vasamsetty?The US government has alleged that Vasamsetty abandoned her lawful permanent residency after spending several months in India while recovering from Covid-19 and caring for an ailing parent in 2022.However, these claims were disputed by Vasamsetty’s lawyer and family, who maintained that Vasamsetty continued her ties with the US through her employment, family, and home.How long has Venkata Vasamsetty lived in the US?Vasamsetty has been a lawful permanent resident since 2013 and has lived in the US for 27 years, while working with special-needs students in North Carolina, according to a LinkedIn post by immigration attorney Zoe Wilson, a friend and former colleague of Vasamsetty’s daughter.In the post, Wilson wrote: “Mrs. Venkata Narsamamba Vasamsetty is a green card holder. She has no criminal history. She has lived lawfully in this country for decades,” adding that she has maintained “lawful immigration status throughout that time.”Story continues below this adCan a green card holder be deported from the US?While lawful permanent residents are authorised to live permanently in America, green card holders can still face removal proceedings from the country in some circumstances.According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), over 1.3 million people received green cards in the fiscal year 2025.Why is Venkata Vasamsetty’s ICE detention being challenged?The legal team of Vasamsetty has filed an emergency habeas corpus petition challenging her detention by ICE in the Georgia detention centre. A federal judge, on August 13, ordered the immigration agency to explain the legal basis for her detention within three days.2013: Became a lawful permanent resident/green card holder.2022: Spent several months in India while recovering from Covid-19 and caring for an ailing parent.Earlier deportation case: US government alleged she had abandoned her permanent residency; her side disputed this.May 2026: Immigration judge dismissed the deportation case.August 13: Federal judge ordered ICE to explain the legal basis for her detention within three days.Now: Vasamsetty remains detained at Irwin County Detention Center, according to the ICE detainee locator.The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram