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Danish Man Detained by ICE Over Miscommunication in Louisiana

Supporters rallying outside a detention center

News Summary

Kasper Juul Eriksen, a 32-year-old Danish man, has been held in ICE custody for over a month following a paperwork misunderstanding during his citizenship interview. Having legally resided in the U.S. since 2013, Eriksen’s detention has caused emotional distress for his family and raised concerns about detention conditions. Community support has emerged as his wife organizes fundraising efforts while seeking legal resolutions to expedite his release.

Louisiana: Danish Man Detained by ICE Over Paperwork Miscommunication

Kasper Juul Eriksen, a 32-year-old Danish man, has spent over a month in detention in Louisiana after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took him into custody during a citizenship interview. Eriksen had been living in the United States legally since 2013 and is in the process of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Originally from Aalborg, Denmark, Eriksen immigrated to the U.S. in 2009 as a high school exchange student in Starkville, Mississippi. He developed a relationship there with Savannah Hobart, and the couple married in 2014. They currently reside in Sturgis, Mississippi, and are raising four children, with a fifth expected in August.

On April 15, 2025, Eriksen and his wife attended what they believed was the final interview for his naturalization application. However, ICE agents unexpectedly detained him due to a paperwork issue dating back to an application from 2015, which was reportedly related to his residency status.

Eriksen’s Citizenship Journey

Eriksen had been pursuing citizenship without incident, having received a notice in September 2024 stating that his application was under review with no outstanding issues. There were no previous red flags noted by ICE regarding his immigration paperwork, and Eriksen has no known criminal record. He has maintained steady employment as a welder, exhibiting a strong work ethic and paying taxes during his time in the U.S.

His detention left Savannah without information regarding his whereabouts, marking one of the most distressing experiences of her life. The emotional and financial toll on the family has been significant, as Eriksen is the primary provider for his household.

Detention Conditions and Community Support

Eriksen is currently held at the LaSalle Detention Center in Jena, Louisiana. Concerns have been raised about the conditions in the facility, including reports of unsanitary environments affecting detainees. In response to the challenges faced, Savannah has organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist their family, which has successfully raised $17,000 amid this difficult period.

Eriksen’s attorneys have filed petitions for his release and had a meeting on May 15 to discuss their next steps. However, no court date has been established for his case yet. In an attempt to expedite Eriksen’s release, Savannah has reached out to elected officials, stressing his value as a dedicated family man and a hardworking member of the community.

Context of Immigration Detention

This incident sheds light on the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, where miscommunication or paperwork issues can lead to severe consequences for individuals seeking to establish legal status. Eriksen’s case showcases the potential for families to be torn apart unexpectedly, impacting not only the individuals involved but also the broader community connected to them.

Community members from both Mississippi and Denmark have rallied around the Eriksen family, providing emotional support during this trying time as they navigate the uncertainties of Eriksen’s legal situation.

As the situation develops, many will be closely watching to see how Eriksen’s case is resolved and whether he can return to his family and continue contributing to his community.