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An Arkansas resident, detained for 30 days by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after officers misidentified his perfume bottle labeled “Opium” for real opium, is now seeking to have his immigration standing reinstated after accusations were dropped.

Traffic Stop Results in Unexpected Arrest

The individual, an Indian national married to an American woman and pursuing American citizenship, was apprehended on 3 May after police officers in Benton, a city in Arkansas, stopped his vehicle for a minor traffic infraction, as stated by his legal representative.

At the scene, officers found a small perfume bottle in his car marked “Opium” and took into custody Raghu for suspected narcotics possession, despite his assertion that the container held fragrance and the name “opium” referred to the aroma.

“There was a container of opium in your console,” an officer told him. “Please have a seat.”

“I was obeying all rules when stopped. I had done nothing incorrect,” stated the detainee, who mentioned he was making a food delivery when stopped.

His wife, Raghu’s spouse, reached the scene and expressed, “I’m confused on why he’s going to jail.”

Forensic Analysis Verify Fragrance, But Not Narcotics

The Arkansas State Crime Lab concluded that the material in the container was fragrance, not opium, yet the individual remained for 72 hours in the local detention facility, where officials found an “administrative/legal error” indicating his visa status had lapsed.

Immigration authorities then detained him and moved him to a government detention center in a Louisiana location, where he was held for 30 days.

“She used to call me every night,” Raghu told media, talking beside his wife. “They were both weeping, with my stepdaughter holding a Bible. She cried frequently. My wife considered selling our vehicles and relocating abroad for a better life.”

Charges Dropped, but Visa Standing Remains Uncertain

Although charges against Raghu were officially dropped by a judicial authority on 20 May, the ICE detainment created a problem in his path to becoming a permanent citizen.

In a fundraising effort to cover attorney costs and basic expenses, it was mentioned that Raghu’s employment authorization was canceled.

“Despite his release, he now faces deportation status, allowing immediate removal for any infraction, including jaywalking,” said a declaration from his attorney. “But, more crucially, this classification bars him from working and earning money for his family, which has been devastating for them.”

Legal Appeal Sent to Address Immigration Problems

Raghu submitted a letter to ICE’s legal office this week, explaining his case and inquiring whether his legal standing could be rectified through proper legal channels.

In the letter explained that his immigration attorney had “did not submit necessary documents on time before my visa lapsed, making me susceptible to my present circumstances.”

“My wife, who has always been my greatest support, is carrying the entire financial burden alone, as I am currently unable to work,” said the document by him. “Increasing legal costs and my inability to provide have made family life very hard and difficult to handle.”

Federal authorities, which oversees ICE, did not immediately provide a comment regarding this situation.