A Routine Trip Turns Into Detention

Paramjit Singh, a 30-year U.S. resident and green card holder of Indian origin, has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for more than a month after returning from India. Singh, who owns a business in Fort Wayne, Indiana, was stopped at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on July 30.

What was supposed to be a routine return home has turned into a high-stakes legal and medical crisis for the 60-year-old businessman and his family.

The Decades-Old Offense Behind His Arrest

Singh’s detention stems from a minor crime that occurred decades ago: using a pay phone without paying. His attorney, Luis Angeles, said Singh had already served his sentence, taken responsibility, and fulfilled all legal obligations tied to the incident.

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Despite that history, immigration authorities flagged the old case upon Singh’s return, triggering detention. Angeles argues that the move is both unlawful and unjust, pointing out Singh’s clean record and community contributions since.

Health Risks in Custody

Singh’s family says his detention has endangered his health. He suffers from a serious heart condition and has a brain tumor. According to relatives, Singh was kept at the airport for five days before his condition worsened and he was taken to the emergency room.

The family only discovered he had been hospitalized after receiving a medical bill. They allege ICE did not inform them of his deteriorating condition during detention.

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Legal Status Under Scrutiny

Singh has lived in the U.S. lawfully for three decades, maintaining his green card and operating his business. His lawyer insists that as a lawful permanent resident, he should not have been detained at all.

“As a lawful permanent resident and green card holder, he shouldn’t have been detained in the first place. He has always followed the rules to the letter. We often hear the mantra of ‘follow the rules’ to achieve legal status in this country. Well, that’s exactly what he did. He entered the United States lawfully, adjusted his status properly, built his American dream through hard work, and has been a significant contributor to his community,” said Angeles.

Family’s Struggle to Secure His Release

Singh’s brother, Charanjit Singh, said the family has been working to post the bond associated with the decades-old offense. But he claims the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is dragging its feet.

“We are trying to post the bond. We’re just trying to speak to someone, trying to communicate with someone,” Charanjit said.

Why This Case Matters

This case raises several pressing questions:

• Should decades-old minor offenses resurface as grounds for detention?
• How should ICE balance public safety with humanitarian concerns, especially when detainees face severe medical conditions?
• What rights do long-term green card holders have when returning from abroad?

For Singh, the answers are urgent. His family fears continued detention could worsen his fragile health. For immigrant communities, the case is another reminder of how even lawful permanent residents can face unexpected risks when traveling abroad.