Over 3,000 Sri Lankans on ICE’s “non-detained docket” facing removal from US

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Roy Denish

A significant number of Sri Lankan nationals residing illegally in the US are currently on the Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency’s non-detained docket with impending orders of removal.

As of 7 June, an estimated 3,065 Sri Lankan nationals have fallen into this category, indicating a potential deportation. This comes in the wake of 286 Sri Lankans repatriated to Sri Lanka by US authorities between 2021 and 2024.

The “non-detained docket” refers to individuals who have received a final order for their removal from the USA, but are not currently held in ICE detention facilities. While these individuals are not in custody, their final order of removal means their legal avenues to remain in the US have been exhausted, or they have waived them.

According to immigration legal analysts, the process of actual deportation for these individuals could be complex and is often subject to various legal and logistical challenges. In the recent past, the agency has acknowledged that not all removals could be carried out immediately. Factors contributing to these delays include individuals pursuing avenues of relief under asylum laws, seeking protection under the Convention Against Torture, or facing other legal complexities that temporarily prevent their removal.

Furthermore, cooperation from foreign governments plays a crucial role in the repatriation process. The US expects all countries to verify the nationality of their citizens, issue necessary travel documents promptly, and accept repatriation flights. While Sri Lanka has not been designated by the ICE as an “uncooperative” country in accepting deported nationals, delays can still occur due to administrative processes or other diplomatic considerations.

The 286 Sri Lankans who were deported between 2021 and 2024 represent a fraction of the larger group with final removal orders. This past trend highlights the ongoing efforts by US authorities to enforce immigration laws and underscores the reality that a substantial number of Sri Lankan nationals in the US are living under the shadow of potential removal.

For those on the non-detained docket, the future remains uncertain. While some may continue to pursue legal appeals or seek humanitarian relief, the presence of a final order of removal means they are legally obligated to depart the US. The Sri Lankan Government, through its overseas Missions, generally facilitates the return of its citizens once their nationality is verified and documentation is complete, though the responsibility for repatriation costs can vary.

The situation underscores the broader challenges of immigration enforcement and the complexities faced by individuals with irregular immigration status in the US. As the US continues to prioritise its immigration policies, the fate of the 3,065 Sri Lankan nationals on ICE’s non-detained docket will remain a matter of close observation for both the individuals directly affected and the governments involved.

Under the incumbent President Donald Trump, the administration is targeting an estimated 10 million immigrants to be removed from the USA.

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