Immigration Lawyers Warn Noncitizens About Travel Risks Amid Rise in ICE Arrests
RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) — Immigration attorneys are advising noncitizens to refrain from non-essential travel as ICE arrests increase nationwide.
Miriam Fisher, owner of Las Abogadas in Richmond, stated, “As a general rule, we are advising our clients who aren’t permanent residents or citizens against any travel that isn’t explicitly necessary.”
The Trump Administration is focused on a goal of approximately 1 million deportations annually, which has significantly impacted undocumented immigrants’ freedom of movement.
Recent reports from major news outlets, including CNN and The New York Times, indicate a notable increase in ICE arrests at airports in cities like D.C., Los Angeles, and Chicago. This includes detentions of individuals with expired U.S. visas.
However, Fisher noted that the risks extend to those with work permits, temporary visas, and individuals with pending immigration cases, who have traditionally been allowed to travel but are now facing detainment.
Previously, domestic travel was generally considered safe for individuals with pending immigration statuses. Now, Fisher points out, domestic travel is treated similarly to international travel, due to information sharing between the TSA and ICE.
Fern Diaz-Castro from the Immigrant Rights Committee of Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice and Equality, highlighted the current hesitation among immigrants in Richmond about flying, noting it’s not always feasible to avoid air travel due to work commitments. “It’s heartbreaking to have to tell people that they might have to lose their job because they can’t go on this work trip,” she lamented.
While 12 On Your Side has not received reports of ICE detaining passengers at the Richmond International Airport, worrying developments have surfaced. The Henrico Citizen reported in late 2025 that the airport is being used by ICE for transporting detainees, exacerbating travel fears among immigrants.
“What we’ve heard is a serious fear of traveling and hesitation to fly,” Diaz-Castro said.
Recent data indicates that nearly 50,000 people were arrested by ICE in July, the highest figure since Trump’s return to office for a second term. The number of arrests occurring at airports remains unclear.
Fisher recommends that non-citizens always carry necessary identification when traveling and have a plan for what to do in case of detainment.
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