Immigrant survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking have filed a lawsuit accusing the Trump administration. They are suing for unlawful detention and deportation of people meant to be protected under federal law. They claim that new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies are punishing survivors instead of upholding safeguards created for them.

Survivors lose protection under new rules

The case, brought by Public Counsel and several immigrant rights groups, challenges a directive that allows ICE officers to arrest people without checking whether they have applied for U or T visas. A U visa offers protection to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other serious crimes who assist investigations. A T visa protects survivors of human trafficking who have been coerced, exploited, or forced to work against their will. These visas were designed to help survivors come forward and cooperate with law enforcement.

Many applicants have already been granted “deferred action,” which pauses deportation while the government reviews their cases. Under the new policy, however, that protection is canceled the moment someone is detained — often without notice or a hearing. Lawyers say this violates the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, which ensures survivors can seek justice safely.

Truthout reports,

“Congress has enacted special protections for immigrant survivors who report their crime to the police and come forward and take the brave step of coming out of the shadows,” said Kathleen Rivas of Public Counsel. “ICE is ignoring Congress’s intent to protect immigrant survivors, and so, our lawsuit challenges recent changes in practices at ICE regarding this particularly vulnerable population.”

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