Tatjana Vesiolko, a 38-year-old Lithuanian woman, has been held in immigration detention for nearly a year despite her repeated requests to be deported back to her home country. Vesiolko was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at an airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, while returning from a vacation with her fiancé, Al Dallasta. Her case highlights the complexities of the current immigration system and raises questions about the treatment of detainees.
Vesiolko entered the U.S. on a visa waiver in 2009 but overstayed her permission to remain. Following the implementation of stricter immigration policies by the Trump administration, she was among the first wave of immigrants detained as part of a broader deportation initiative. While many detainees are deported quickly, Vesiolko’s prolonged detention has drawn attention, with her fiancé expressing deep concern for her well-being. Dallasta stated, “She’s essentially lost a year of her life for what? She’s falling apart in there.”
The situation has become increasingly dire for Vesiolko, who has been held for over 11 months at the Richwood Correctional Center in northern Louisiana. According to Dallasta, the financial burden of her detention has been significant, accumulating costs of approximately $22,000 in attorney fees, $2,000 in commissary expenses, and $6,370 in phone calls to the facility. The couple had expected her to be deported shortly after her detention, but the lengthy process has taken a toll on their lives.
Legal Challenges and Costs of Detention
Despite having no criminal record, Vesiolko faced numerous legal hurdles. After entering the U.S. on a visa waiver, she was deemed ineligible for bond due to the higher standards imposed on visitors. Immigration attorneys noted that there are no apparent barriers preventing her removal. Dallasta explained that the couple accepted a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge in June 2023, resigning themselves to starting a new life in Lithuania. Yet, the timeline for her return remains uncertain.
The financial implications of her detention are compounded by the broader context of immigration policy in the United States. The nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute estimates that immigration detention costs an average of $152 per detainee per day. ICE data reveals that individuals with immigration violations and no criminal history typically spend an average of 48 days in detention. Vesiolko’s case, however, exemplifies a troubling trend where the duration of detention for some individuals extends far beyond the average.
Humanitarian Appeals and Mental Health Impact
Throughout her time in detention, Vesiolko has sought various forms of relief, including humanitarian parole, which ICE has not granted. Dallasta described her mental and physical struggles during this prolonged period, emphasizing the emotional toll it has taken on both of them. The couple’s hopes of moving forward have been overshadowed by uncertainty and distress.
As the situation unfolds, Vesiolko’s case serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by immigrants in the United States. With the current administration’s immigration policies under scrutiny, advocates for immigrant rights continue to call for reforms that would ensure fair treatment and expedited processes for detainees like Vesiolko. While her future remains unclear, the couple’s story underscores the urgent need for compassion and understanding in immigration matters.
