Arkansas Man Seeks to Regain Visa Status After Detainment Due to ‘Opium’ Perfume Bottle
A man from Arkansas, held for one month by federal immigration authorities after law enforcement mistook his perfume bottle labeled “Opium” for actual opium, is now attempting to have his immigration standing restored after accusations were dropped.
Traffic Stop Results in Surprising Arrest
The individual, an citizen of India wed to an American woman and pursuing US citizenship, was apprehended on 3 May after law enforcement in Benton, a city in Arkansas, pulled him over for a minor traffic infraction, as stated by his attorney.
During the traffic stop, officers discovered a small perfume bottle in his vehicle labeled “Opium” and took into custody the man for suspected drug possession, despite his assertion that the container contained fragrance and the name “opium” indicated the aroma.
“There was a container of opium in your console,” an officer informed Raghu. “Please have a seat.”
“I was not doing anything wrong when he pulled me over. I was following all regulations,” stated Raghu, adding that he was delivering food when stopped.
Ashley Mays, Raghu’s spouse, reached the location and said, “I’m confused on why he’s going to jail.”
Forensic Analysis Confirm Perfume, But Not Opium
The Arkansas State Crime Lab concluded that the substance in the container was perfume, not opium, yet the individual spent 72 hours in the Saline county jail, where authorities identified an “administrative/legal error” indicating his visa status had lapsed.
Immigration authorities then took Raghu into custody and moved him to a government detention center in Louisiana, where he was detained for one month.
“She used to call me every night,” he told reporters, speaking next to 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.”
Accusations Dismissed, but Immigration Status Is Still Uncertain
Although accusations against him were dismissed by a judicial authority on 20 May, the ICE detainment created a setback in his journey to becoming a permanent citizen.
Through a donation page to pay for attorney costs and living costs, it was mentioned that Raghu’s work visa was canceled.
“It is my understanding that, though released, Kapil now has a ‘deportation’ status, meaning he can be immediately deported for any minor offense, even jaywalking,” said a declaration by his legal counsel. “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 Resolve Immigration Problems
Raghu sent a letter to ICE’s legal office this recently, detailing his situation and inquiring whether his immigration status could be resolved through proper legal channels.
In the letter stated that his legal representative had “did not submit necessary documents on time before my visa lapsed, making me susceptible to my present circumstances.”
“My spouse, my main supporter, now bears all financial responsibilities since I cannot work,” read 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 response regarding this situation.
