Polish Green Card Holder Detained in ICE Facility

Beata Siemionkowicz, originally from Poland, has held a green card since 2003. She has lived in the United States for decades with her daughters. Recently, she faced nearly a year in an ICE detention center in Kentucky due to old shoplifting convictions and allegations of document forgery to gain immigration benefits. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson shared these details with Newsweek.

Donna Hughes-Brown, previously detained at the same facility as Siemionkowicz, indicated that Siemionkowicz was already tried for these old charges. ICE considered the offenses as involving moral turpitude, which can affect immigration status. Crimes of moral turpitude often involve fraud, theft, or dishonesty and can lead to deportation.

President Donald Trump announced plans for a large-scale deportation operation. This led to the detention of immigrants, including those with legal residency or valid visas. Newsweek has documented cases of green card holders being detained during immigration raids.

A DHS representative commented, “A green card is a privilege, not a right. If laws are violated, the government can revoke it.” Newsweek sought responses from Siemionkowicz, her lawyer, and her daughters regarding these events.

Details of the Arrest

On August 2, 2025, Siemionkowicz was arrested in Des Plaines, Illinois, while gardening at her daughter Claudia’s house. She spent two days in the Broadview facility before being transferred to the Campbell County Detention Center in Newport, Kentucky. DHS described her as a criminal alien with multiple shoplifting arrests.

Siemionkowicz legally arrived in the U.S. on November 18, 1995, but overstayed her visa. She was later granted a green card in January 2003. DHS claimed she forged documents for immigration benefits in 2001 but did not disclose further details.

Her daughters initiated a GoFundMe to cover legal expenses, stating she acknowledged her minor theft offenses. The Tribune reported misdemeanor thefts from Jewel and Kohl’s in 2005 and 2011. Despite these charges, her daughters maintain her innocence and continue to fight for her release.

Family and Legal Support

The family is appealing the judge’s order for removal and has enlisted Senator Dick Durbin’s aid. Durbin’s office confirmed their ongoing support. Tensions rise as claims emerge about non-existent charges in Poland. The family’s documents and a Polish Embassy letter confirm no criminal record in Poland.

Siemionkowicz has worked in cleaning and hospice care, supporting her family financially. Her daughter Gabi left nursing school temporarily to cover household expenses. They believe their mother’s removal is undeserved, considering past charges were addressed.

The daughters created an Instagram account, Bring Beata Home, seeking justice through advocacy and raising awareness about her detention.

Conditions and Wider Implications

Reportedly, the Campbell County Detention Center houses various offenders, including those with serious charges. Donna Hughes-Brown recounted poor conditions, including hygiene issues and limited service access, during her detention with Siemionkowicz. ICE maintains their facilities provide adequate medical care.

There are approximately 12.8 million green card holders in the U.S. Despite legal residency, they can be detained for certain crimes or immigration violations. Newsweek has highlighted several similar cases under the Trump administration, emphasizing the targeting of individuals with prior convictions.

Since January 2025, over 590,600 deportations have occurred, per administration statistics. This raises concerns about the enforcement focus under current policies.