‘We are lost’: Indian-origin businessman Paramjit Singh, living in US for 30 years, detained by ICE; Offence is using pay phone without paying in past

Indian-origin businessman Paramjit Singh was detained by ICE and kept in custody for over a month. (Photo: Newsweek)

Paramjit Singh, an Indian who immigrated to the United States more than 30 years ago, has been detained by the ICE and kept in custody for over a month now. Paramjit is a green card holder and has been doing business in Fort Wayne, Indiana, for the last three decades. He was detained at Chacoga O’Hare Airport on July 30 as he was returning from a trip to India, as he makes trips to India several times a year.Singh’s attorney Luis Angeles told Newsweek that his detention was absolutely illegal and that the government is increasing his health risks as Singh has a brain tumor and heart issues. But why was Singh arrested in the first place? His attorney and family members said that the government cited an incident from the past when Singh used a pay phone without paying. It was a “minor infraction for which he has already taken full accountability, served his time, and paid his debt to society,” Angeles said.

Kept inside airport for five days, taken to emergency room

Narrating the harrowing details of what happened since Singh was detained, his family members revealed that he was kept inside the airport for five days. His health condition deteriorated to the point where he had to be taken to the emergency room. His family was not notified about his health and they only came to know when the ER bill was sent to them. “As a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Mr Singh should never have been detained in the first place, as he has always followed the rules to the letter. We often hear the mantra of “follow the rules” to achieve legal status in this country. Well, that’s exactly what he did: he entered the United States lawfully, adjusted his status properly, built his American dream through hard work, and has been a significant contributor to his community,” his attorney said.

‘We are lost,’ says Paramjit’s brother

Paramjit’s brother Charanjit Singh told WPTA channel that they are just trying to post the bond, as Singh has won the bond hearing but the DHS was employing some tactics to prolong his detention. “We’re just trying to post the bond, we’re just trying to speak to someone, trying to communicate with someone. We’re lost,” the brother said.