North Texas Newlywed Released from ICE Custody After Honeymoon Detainment

Detained After Honeymoon

• 💍 A North Texas newlywed, Wad Shaq, was detained by ICE officials upon returning to the U.S. from her honeymoon in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• 💔 She was separated from her husband and home for 140 days after being flagged by CBP while re-entering the continental United States.

Legal and Citizenship Status

• ⚖️ Attorneys describe her case as a "procedural black hole" because Wad Shaq is of Palestinian descent, a refugee, and legally stateless, holding no citizenship.
• 🗓️ For the past 12 years, she had routinely checked in with ICE while her citizenship case was being processed.

Release and Ongoing Challenges

• ✅ Wad Shaq has been released from ICE custody, a move seen as progress but still marks one step in a longer journey.
• 🗣️ Her release came after ICE allegedly attempted to deport her twice in June, despite a federal court order.
• ⚠️ The Department of Homeland Security stated this was not a targeted ICE operation, suggesting her flight path over international waters outside the U.S. customs zone led to her being flagged.
• 😥 Community leaders express relief but also concern that such incidents can create fear among those who shouldn't be afraid.