A 64-year-old Kenyan woman who spent more than a decade faithfully reporting to US immigration authorities is now sitting in ICE detention, separated from the Houston family she helped raise, and facing a removal order that her supporters say defies basic fairness. The Kenyan caregiver ICE detention case centres on Joyce Basele, a certified nursing assistant with no criminal record, who was arrested on June 18 after showing up for a routine immigration appointment in Houston.
A report by Newsweek indicates that her employer and close friend, Maureen Mendrek-Laske, a Houston-based engineer and mother of four, confirmed the detention and has been vocal about the toll it is taking on everyone involved.
How Basele Ended Up in This Situation
Basele first arrived in the United States legally in 1995 on a visitor visa alongside her husband, before the couple returned to Kenya. She re-entered on September 1, 2005, holding an R-2 dependent visa tied to her husband’s R-1 religious worker status.
When their marriage ended in divorce, her immigration standing lapsed, and an immigration judge issued a final removal order on June 22, 2011. The Board of Immigration Appeals dismissed her subsequent appeal on June 20, 2012.
Rather than being deported at that point, Basele was placed on an order of supervision on August 13, 2012, allowing her to remain in the country under close monitoring while retaining work authorisation. She honoured every single check-in for more than 14 years without exception, right up until the appointment that led to her arrest.
Family Separation and an $1.8 Million Fine
Mendrek-Laske described Basele as far more than an employee, saying she helped raise her four children and provided childcare and caregiving support to the family for years. “She’s really part of our family,” Mendrek-Laske said. “We have no family in the area. It’s been the three of us, really.” Basele also has two adult children of her own living in the United States.
According to Mendrek-Laske, Basele has complained about conditions inside the detention facility and has visibly deteriorated physically, though family members continue to visit her regularly.
Adding to the burden, Basele’s attorney, Kirby, revealed that her client is facing a fine of $1.8 million, reportedly linked to overstaying her visa. Kirby said she intends to challenge the penalty and questioned its legal basis, given that Basele spent years living in the country with explicit permission from immigration authorities. “How could you fine somebody $1.8 million, alleging a fine for overstaying when you allow her to remain in the U.S. with permission to some extent?” Kirby said.
Deportation Paused, But Basele Remains in Custody
On July 23, a court granted a stay of deportation while a humanitarian-based petition works its way through the system, pausing any immediate removal. Despite this, Basele remains in custody.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told Newsweek that Basele is an illegal alien subject to a final removal order and will remain detained pending her removal.
