AP: ICE detained mentally ill US citizen since January
The gist
AP reports documents support claims that ICE has detained Phillip James, a mentally ill US citizen, since January.
His lawyers are appealing a deportation order.
How it unfolded
- Dec 2025ICE initiated proceedings to remove him, issuing a notice to appear in immigration court, while he was living in New York City.
- Jan 5, 2026A judge postponed his removal proceedings, and agents arrested him after the hearing.
- Oct 27, 2026AP publishes an investigation finding documents support claims he was born in Florida; he remains locked up at the "Speedway Slammer" in Indiana.