22
Man in green card process held by ICE says entire cell "pepper sprayed"
(www.newsweek.com)
Summary:
Key Information:
Prabesh Thapa Chettri
- Former University of Louisiana Monroe student from Nepal
- Detained by ICE since February 18, 2025 (over five months)
- Arrested after an argument with his wife; visa expired September 2024 due to inability to pay tuition
- In the process of applying for a green card via an I-130 petition filed by his wife, AbiGayle Grace Russell (a U.S. citizen) in April 2025
- Has no criminal record and feels out of place being detained with criminals
- Reports harsh conditions in detention, including a pepper spray incident that affected many detainees severely
AbiGayle Grace Russell
- U.S. citizen, wife of Thapa Chettri
- Has spent $3,000 on phone calls to stay in touch
- Using social media to connect Thapa Chettri with his family in Nepal
- Running a GoFundMe for legal fees
- In contact with Senator Bill Cassidy regarding Thapa Chettri’s case
- Husband’s merits hearing scheduled for July 18, 2025
Conditions at Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center:
- One of the largest immigration detention centers in the U.S.; Louisiana is the second-largest state for immigration detention after Texas
- Operated by GEO Group, a private prison company contracted by ICE
- Multiple reports of inhumane conditions, abuse, neglect, and deaths between 2016-2023
- GEO Group denies allegations of mistreatment
- Thapa Chettri described an incident where guards pepper sprayed the entire dormitory, causing severe suffering, fainting, and foaming at the mouth for some detainees
Broader Context:
- President Donald Trump’s administration launched aggressive immigration crackdowns, detaining immigrants with expired visas and even some with valid documentation
- This has led to widespread fear and uncertainty among immigrants, including green card holders and applicants
- Cases like Mahmoud Khalil’s also highlight challenges faced at this detention center
Next Steps:
- Thapa Chettri’s merits hearing on July 18, 2025
- Ongoing legal efforts supported by his wife and advocacy groups
Archive: https://archive.md/3KE0d