The case of a Tunisian musician, Rami Othmane, detained by ICE agents in California has raised concerns among immigration rights advocates. The arrest occurred while the man was driving through the city of Pasadena.

According to AP, the man of African origin had a Green Card application process in progress when the incident occurred, something that was ignored by immigration agents.

Arrested while driving and with immigration procedures in progress

According to the same media, Tunisian musician Rami Othmane was arrested on July 13 in Pasadena, California, while driving to a supermarket. During the encounter with immigration agents, Othmane attempted to show his documentation, including the receipt for his Green Card application, which was in progress after he married a U.S. citizen in March 2025.

Despite having this evidence, agents proceeded to detain him and transfer him to an ICE facility in the Los Angeles area. According to the AP, Othmane remained in custody without immediate access to legal counsel and in conditions his family described as degrading: no bed, with poor hygiene and under constant surveillance.

The situation has been denounced as an example of the legal loopholes that many migrants face in legal proceedings.

His wife’s voice: I don’t understand why they treat him like this

Othmane's detention was especially painful for his wife, Dr. Wafaa Alrashid, who has led the efforts for his release. In statements reported by AP, she expressed frustration, noting that her husband "has no criminal record" and that all he did was drive around the city while his immigration application was being processed. Alrashid has publicly denounced her husband's detention conditions and called for an immediate review of his case. The couple had initiated their formal immigration process earlier this year, and, according to the doctor, They were confident that everything was in accordance with immigration authorities' requirements.

Residency Process in Progress and an Uncertain Future

Before his arrest, Othmane had been living in the United States for nearly a decade. Although his original visa had expired, his previous deportation order had been dismissed. He also had an open process to obtain permanent residency based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen, as confirmed by the Associated Press.

Experts cited by the outlet indicate that, although there is no criminal conviction against him, his situation will depend on the evaluation made by an immigration judge in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, his family continues to wait for a fair resolution that will allow them to continue their life in the country legally and safely.