A Venezuelan woman tearfully shared on TikTok her distressing experience of being compelled to wear an electronic ankle monitor after visiting a U.S. immigration office to retrieve her passport. "I went to immigration today to get my passport, and I ended up with an ankle monitor. The worst part is that I was forced to wear it," she emotionally revealed in a video on her @saymarguerrero account.
According to her account, when she refused to have the monitoring device placed on her, authorities warned her of possible detention, disregarding her circumstance of having a U.S.-born baby with her. "They told me if I didn't allow the monitor, I'd be detained. They didn't care that I had an American baby with me," she reported, her voice breaking with emotion.
The young woman explained that she intended to leave the country voluntarily and legally, with an exit authorized by an immigration judge. However, when her passport could not be found, officials chose to impose the ankle monitor without providing further explanation. "When I entered three years ago, they didn't place a monitor on me like they did today. I feel terrible. I asked why, and they told me I had to go to another office in eight days for an explanation," she added.
The video has circulated widely on social media, sparking outrage among users who question the treatment by immigration authorities towards individuals attempting to adhere to legal processes. As of now, there has been no official response from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding this specific incident.
Concerns About Electronic Ankle Monitors in U.S. Immigration
Why was the electronic ankle monitor imposed on the woman?
The woman reported that authorities imposed the monitor after she could not retrieve her passport and refused to comply with wearing the device. Officials warned her of detention if she did not comply.
Has there been any response from U.S. immigration authorities?
As of the current moment, no official statement has been released by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) concerning this particular case.
What was the woman's intention regarding her immigration status?
The woman intended to leave the United States voluntarily and legally, with an exit authorized by an immigration judge, but complications arose due to her missing passport.