Judge Orders Bond Hearing for Illinois Green Card Holder in ICE Custody

A federal judge in Kentucky ordered a bond hearing for an Illinois green card holder, detained by ICE for over a year. Beata Siemionkowicz, originally from Poland and living in Round Lake, petitioned for habeas corpus in September. United States District Judge Karen Caldwell granted the request, citing due process violations. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday morning.

Hirsh Joshi, an attorney from ACLU of Illinois, highlighted the rarity of such a bond hearing for someone mandatorily detained in this district. He noted the Supreme Court’s interest in similar cases, which could impact other detainees seeking bond hearings after prolonged custody and often lacking an initial hearing.

“This is a case that is emblematic of a larger problem that the Supreme Court has already agreed that it wants to hear,” said Hirsh Joshi.

Siemionkowicz’s case offers hope for others in the Kentucky district. Potential release would be a significant step forward, Joshi added. ICE’s spokesperson stated the agency evaluates custody daily, aiming to ensure attendance at immigration proceedings or removal.

Siemionkowicz legally entered the U.S. in 1995 from Bialystok, Poland. Since 2003, she has lived as a permanent resident. A single mother of two, she worked as a commercial cleaner and hospice caregiver. In August 2025, ICE agents arrested her at her daughter’s home, citing past misdemeanor thefts and accusations of document forgery.

Her daughters recalled the thefts for survival during difficult times post-divorce. These offenses, considered involving “moral turpitude” by ICE, categorized her as a mandatory detainee, ineligible for bond hearings by law.

The Supreme Court is reviewing a related Trump-era policy denying bond hearings amidst an immigration crackdown. This review could impact immigrants like Siemionkowicz, detained for long durations. While Joshi acknowledged the case may not reach the Supreme Court, it is part of broader trends.

“That’s not to say this case in particular will go to the Supreme Court, only to say that this is a product of something that’s been happening over the last few years,” Joshi said.

If awarded bond, Siemionkowicz can pursue her immigration case outside detention, though her December deportation order remains. Her family, especially daughter Gabi, holds cautious hope for this outcome.

“Of course, we’re staying hopeful,” Gabi said. “This is our last shot, I think.”

Recently, Siemionkowicz was moved to a more secure medical wing in Campbell County Detention Center. Conditions here are reportedly worse, prompting national attention and an investigation by Congresswoman Delia Ramirez into the detention facility’s conditions.

“It’s pretty jarring to see, on the ground, how they’re treating people at Campbell County,” Joshi said.

Efforts continue to secure Siemionkowicz’s release as soon as possible. The Associated Press contributed to the report.