ICE detains two Venezuelan students in Alabama

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials detained Venezuelan brothers Carlos Alberto and Luis Alejandro Orta in Lincoln, Alabama. The apprehension occurred following a minor traffic violation when the pair failed to stop at a stop sign while returning to their university after visiting parents in Georgia.

The 19-year-old brothers are scholarship students and soccer players at Wallace State Community College. Their legal defense stated that neither individual has a criminal record and both have pending asylum applications and work permits valid until 2030.

The brothers reported being subjected to degrading treatment while in ICE custody, alleging they were restrained with waist chains and handcuffs on their hands and feet. Lawyers are currently processing a bail request to allow the students to remain free during their ongoing immigration proceedings.