In a significant incident at Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin, ICE agents detained a state patrol trooper who is awaiting an asylum decision, as reported by his attorneys. Carel Aaron Van Der Merwe, a 21-year-old from South Africa, was taken into custody while preparing to board a domestic flight.
Van Der Merwe, who entered the U.S. legally as a child, is included in his father’s asylum application and possesses valid federal work authorization. His legal representatives stated that he attempted to inform the ICE officers of his status, but was disregarded and subsequently handcuffed and transported to a detention facility in Juneau, Wisconsin.
According to ICE records, the young trooper has been serving in the Wisconsin state patrol for nearly a year. His attorneys expressed outrage over the arrest, labeling it as “inhumane and despicable.” Attorney Marc Christopher emphasized that incarcerating a law enforcement officer while his asylum case remains unresolved does not contribute to public safety.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security clarified that a pending asylum application or work authorization does not equate to legal status within the U.S. The spokesperson also noted that Van Der Merwe’s initial legal entry expired in September 2019 and that his continued presence in the country is considered unlawful.
This incident raises important questions about immigration enforcement practices, particularly regarding individuals who may be contributing members of their communities while navigating complex legal processes. The legal team is demanding transparency from the DHS concerning the rationale behind Van Der Merwe’s detention and its necessity for public safety.
Photo credit: Victor J. Blue
