What would you do if, at the moment you were about to become a citizen, you were suddenly arrested and threatened with deportation over a paperwork mistake from years ago? Imagine being Kasper Eriksen who faced exactly that during his final citizenship hearing. Despite a clean record and a decade of building a life in the U.S., one missed deadline put everything at risk.
You do not to want to be in that position. Not at all.
Who is Kasper Eriksen
Kasper Eriksen, a Denmark-born father of four living in Sturgis, Mississippi, has been an active and valued member of his community since moving to the United States more than ten years ago. He and his wife are expecting their fifth child, firmly planting their family’s roots in Mississippi. As a welding foreman, Kasper has maintained a spotless record with no criminal history. However, on April 15, 2025, during his final citizenship hearing in Memphis, Tennessee, he was unexpectedly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Despite his long-standing residence and commitment to becoming a citizen, Kasper now faces a removal order that threatens to tear apart his family and the life he has built.
A Missed Deadline
Eriksen came to the U.S. in 2009 as a foreign exchange student and met Savannah during that time. The two teenagers started dating and maintained their relationship even after Eriksen returned to his home country. He eventually came back to the U.S. and had secured a green card by the time they married in 2013.
On April 15, Eriksen attended a naturalization interview in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was unexpectedly arrested. The arrest was due to an administrative issue – he missed the deadline to submit Form I-751, which is required to remove conditions on permanent residency. His wife, Savannah Eriksen, had missed filing this form in 2015 because of the emotional trauma she experienced after a stillbirth, a difficult personal event that affected their immigration paperwork.
Savannah Eriksen shared on GoFundMe that neither she nor her husband were told about the paperwork error at any point during his citizenship interviews or appointments.
Its Consequences
Following his arrest, Eriksen was transported to LaSalle Detention Center in Jena, Louisiana – a private facility operated by the GEO Group known for its difficult conditions. Since detention, Eriksen has experienced significant weight loss and shares cramped quarters with approximately 100 other detainees.
Eriksen’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 27, 2025. The case has drawn attention to ongoing debates about immigration policy, enforcement methods, and the human toll that mass detentions impose on families and communities.
On May 27, 2025’s preliminary hearing for Eriksen, the judge acknowledged the reopening of his case but did not grant bond. The hearing could have resulted in immediate deportation, but he was given a chance to present evidence and have the case reconsidered. The couple hopes for a bond hearing soon.
How Can You Find Out if a Deportation Case Has Been Filed Against You?
If you’re unsure whether a deportation case has been filed against you or if you have a Notice to Appear in immigration court but haven’t received any official notice, it’s important to check before going to any immigration office for interviews or other reasons. To find out if a deportation case exists, you can use the Department of Justice’s Automated Case Information System (ACIS) online. This system allows you to search for your case by case number, A-number, or other identifying information. Another way is to contact ICE or USCIS directly. If you are currently in detention, you can also use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System to get this information. Taking these steps can help you avoid surprises and be better prepared.
If you are placed in removal proceedings, ICE will send you a Notice to Appear (NTA), which explains the reasons and charges for your removal. During these proceedings, you have the right to defend yourself and ask for relief from removal. If the judge rules against you, a deportation order will be issued.
If you think you are in removal proceedings, it’s important to get help from an immigration attorney. They can guide you on your rights and the choices available to you throughout the deportation process.
Impact of Kasper Eriksen’s Arrest
The arrest of Kasper Eriksen at his citizenship hearing highlights how fragile immigrant rights can be when complex legal issues meet strict enforcement. Kasper’s experience shows how small administrative mistakes can have serious consequences, putting at risk families who have long been part of American communities. His story reminds us that behind every case number is a family fighting to build a home in this country.
Kasper applied for naturalization without a lawyer and didn’t address a prior removal order – a critical detail that an immigration attorney would never overlook.
U.S. immigration law is complicated and harsh. Missing just one step or notice can have life-changing consequences. Protect your future. Get a lawyer.
