Summary
A Texas man named Paul Henri Michel Kouame was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers while he had a pending green card application. Kouame was held in detention for 16 days despite having a work permit, due to his legal status not yet being finalized. Kouame and his family are working with attorneys to address his immigration status and secure an earlier court hearing.
Key Facts
- Paul Henri Michel Kouame is originally from Côte d'Ivoire and has lived in the U.S. intermittently since 2003 on various visas.
- He was detained by border officers in Sarita, Texas, on October 20 while returning from a delivery trip.
- Kouame showed his work permit to the officers but was detained as his green card application was still pending.
- He was held at Port Isabel Detention Center for about two weeks in crowded and cold conditions.
- Kouame's initial bond hearing was on November 3; his next hearing is scheduled for January 20, 2026.
- Kouame had a DUI in 2019, which may have impacted his legal situation.
- The Department of Homeland Security stated that a visa is a privilege and those who overstay may face removal.
- Kouame's family is seeking legal assistance to resolve his immigration status and support their household.
