The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a forceful institutional message on Monday following the review of a case involving a Salvadoran migrant who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a family petition interview in Charlotte, North Carolina. The migrant had been under a deportation order issued over 25 years ago.
The agency used this incident to issue a direct warning on social media to all migrants with outstanding orders: "Outstanding removal orders will not bypass the rigorous verification and scrutiny procedures implemented by the Trump Administration. When a judge orders removal, the law will be enforced."
This case starkly demonstrates how a routine procedure, such as a family petition interview, can result in immediate detention, regardless of how many years have passed since the judicial order was issued.
USCIS's New Enforcement Role
What transpired in Charlotte is not an isolated incident but part of a systematic pattern adopted by USCIS under the Trump administration since January 2025. Traditionally focused on processing legal immigration benefits, the agency has taken on an active law enforcement role.
For instance, in September 2025, USCIS was authorized to create special agents with the power to arrest, carry firearms, and execute judicial orders, effectively merging the lines between immigration services and enforcement.
Impact of Executive Orders
This shift is directly supported by the Executive Order titled "Protecting the American People Against Invasion," which instructed domestic security agencies to prioritize executing removal orders, regardless of their age or personal circumstances.
Statistics highlight the magnitude of this change. According to DeportationData, interior deportations have increased fivefold compared to levels recorded under previous administrations. Data from specialized organizations indicate that 1.5 million non-citizens in the U.S. have pending removal orders, making them potential targets in any interaction with federal agencies.
Widespread Incidents Across Cities
Similar cases have been documented in various cities. A Cuban in Tampa was arrested when visiting a USCIS office, and another was detained under routine circumstances while attending a citizenship procedure in Hialeah.
The authorities' warning is explicit: an arrest order is a serious matter, irrespective of the reason a migrant appears at a federal office.
Understanding USCIS's Enforcement Activities
Why did USCIS issue a warning to migrants with pending deportation orders?
USCIS issued the warning to emphasize that outstanding removal orders will be strictly enforced under current policies, regardless of how old the orders are.
How has USCIS's role changed under the Trump administration?
USCIS has shifted from focusing solely on processing immigration benefits to actively engaging in law enforcement, including creating special agents with arrest powers.
What is the impact of the Executive Order "Protecting the American People Against Invasion" on USCIS activities?
The Executive Order mandates that domestic security agencies prioritize executing removal orders without regard to the age of the order or personal circumstances of the individuals involved.