British Mother Detained by ICE, Baby 'Ripped' from Arms in US Arrest
A British woman, Katie Paul, has shared the harrowing details of her detention by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, during which her newborn baby was forcibly taken from her arms. The incident occurred while she was in the final stages of a green card interview, leaving her with recurring nightmares and deep emotional distress.
Background and Arrest
Katie Paul, 34, originally from Beccles, Suffolk, moved to the United States in 2024 to be with her husband, Stephen, a native of San Diego, California. The couple married shortly after her arrival. Initially planning to return to the UK while her green card application was processed, Katie decided to remain in the US upon medical advice due to a high-risk pregnancy. Her lawyer assured her that overstaying would not be an issue as she was actively undergoing the green card process.
In November 2025, Katie and Stephen attended the San Diego US Citizenship and Immigration Services office for her green card interview. As Katie held her six-month-old son, Alan, ICE agents entered the room and arrested her. She described the moment as traumatic, with her baby being "ripped" from her arms, an image that continues to haunt her nightly.
Detention and Release
Following her arrest, Katie was taken to the Otay Mesa ICE Detention Centre, where she spent five days in custody. Despite the ordeal, her green card was ultimately approved, leading to her release. Katie, now a stay-at-home mother, expressed ongoing anxiety about her safety in the US, noting that the sight of ICE agents near her home recently triggered a panic attack due to fears of re-arrest.
This case highlights the complexities and potential harshness of US immigration enforcement, particularly for families involved in legal processes. Katie's experience underscores the emotional toll such incidents can have on individuals, even when their immigration status is resolved favorably.
