'My whole world stopped': How a routine ICE check-in upended a Syrian-American family

A Syrian-American family faced an unexpected turn in their lives when their father, Iemad Saifo, was detained by ICE for a routine check-in. Zena Saifo, the daughter, arrived at the ICE office with her father expecting a routine appointment. However, she soon found herself questioning whether her father would be detained after her request to say goodbye was denied.

Iemad, a 65-year-old Syrian immigrant and father of four, was taken into custody and spent about two weeks in detention before being released on bond. The detention was not only a legal battle but a race against time for the family to bring their father home. Iemad, who came to the US in 2002 and opened a Mediterranean restaurant, had been working with his lawyers on his immigration case and had complied with requirements.

However, his visa had expired and his removal case was reopened in 2011. Despite a criminal conviction for witness tampering and other minor offenses, Iemad maintained that he was compliant with the law and focused on his family and community. The community rallied around Iemad, with letters of support and thousands of petition signatures vouching for his character.

Despite the challenges, Iemad's bond hearing went well, with the judge citing his strong community ties in releasing him.