News Summary
An 18-year-old Honduran national, Vivian Gisselle Soriano-Neto, faces delays in her immigration hearing after being transferred by ICE to a Colorado facility just days before her court date. Soriano-Neto was to request asylum in the U.S., but her case has to restart in a new court, raising concerns about her future and the treatment of detainees in immigration enforcement. Her attorney contends that the transfer could hinder her chances to contest her status, amid claims of potentially retaliatory motives behind the move.
Providence – An 18-year-old Honduran national, Vivian Gisselle Soriano-Neto, has had her immigration hearing complicated after being transferred by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) just days before her scheduled court date. Soriano-Neto was detained in New England since March, but on June 1, she was moved from a detention facility in Maine to the Denver Contract Detention Facility in Aurora, Colorado. The transfer occurred ahead of her immigration court hearing set for June 4, during which she was to request asylum status in the United States.
ICE officials have stated that the transfer was necessary due to “bed space management,” a reflection of the limited number of AVAILABLE beds in detention facilities. Nevertheless, the timing of the transfer has raised concerns. Soriano-Neto’s immigration attorney noted that this unusual occurrence has forced her case to restart in a different court in Colorado, effectively delaying her ability to contest her immigration status.
As a result of the transfer, Soriano-Neto’s attorney expressed concerns that she lost her opportunity to address her asylum request. Soriano-Neto was originally arrested in February in Providence, facing charges related to indecent solicitation of a child and involvement in a child trafficking case, which has been described as lacking substantive evidence. Following her arrest, she was a student at Mount Pleasant High School, but she is no longer enrolled in classes.
Her criminal defense attorney indicated that due to the complexities of her transfer and ongoing immigration issues, Soriano-Neto may not have a chance to appear for her criminal court case before facing potential deportation. Initially, ICE had suggested that Soriano-Neto posed a risk of “trafficking a child for nefarious reasons” but did not provide clear comments on her detention status given the absence of any conviction.
The situation has become further complicated by claims that the timing of Soriano-Neto’s transfer could be viewed as retaliatory in nature, coming shortly after media coverage about her circumstances. While ICE denies any connection between the media attention and their operations, some representatives and legal observers believe that the transfer raises serious questions about ICE’s practices and the treatment of detainees.
Soriano-Neto’s immigration attorney contended that she had an approved petition for a green card under the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status framework, which provides protection to youth who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In contrast, ICE maintains that Soriano-Neto was not on a path to legal residency due to the cancellation of her deferred action status following her arrest.
The next hearing for Soriano-Neto remains unscheduled by the Executive Office for Immigration Review, leaving her future uncertain. If she fails to appear in court for her criminal charges after the transfer, a warrant could be issued against her, further complicating her ability to return to the U.S. legally.
This case highlights ongoing debates regarding immigration enforcement practices, particularly concerning the treatment of young individuals caught in legal limbo. As cases like Soriano-Neto’s unfold, the broader implications for immigration policy and the rights of detained individuals continue to generate significant attention and discussion. Observers of the immigration system note the importance of ensuring due process for individuals seeking asylum while navigating complex legal challenges in the U.S. justice system.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Honduran Teen Charged with Child Trafficking in Providence
Honduran Woman Arrested in Child Trafficking Case in Providence
Honduran National Arrested for Child Trafficking in Providence
Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: RI Teen Transferred by ICE
- Wikipedia: Immigration to the United States
- Rhode Island Current: Advocates Demand Answers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- Providence Journal: ICE Provides Details on Detention
- Google Search: ICE detention of immigrants
- ABC6: Protesters Rally Against ICE
- Google News: Immigration Policy
- News Nation: ICE Protest in Rhode Island
- Google Scholar: Immigration Law
