188 Ukrainians Detained in Washington State Amid ICE Crackdown in 2022
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained 188 Ukrainian nationals in 2022, with the majority arrested in Washington state. The region's large Ukrainian community—now numbering over 110,000—has drawn increased enforcement activity. Of those apprehended, 166 were later deported for either criminal or immigration-related reasons.
The detentions primarily took place in Seattle, where 144 of the 188 arrests occurred. ICE's focus on Washington state reflects its status as home to one of the fastest-growing Ukrainian diasporas in the country. By January 2026, the community had surpassed 110,000 residents.
All detained individuals faced investigations before deportation. Among the 166 deportees, 27 were removed for criminal offences, while 139 were sent back for immigration violations. One case involved a man who had lived in the U.S. since childhood, spoke little Ukrainian, and had no recent ties to the country. Upon arrival in Ukraine, 24 of the deportees were met by military recruitment officers (TCC) at the border. They were then directed to training centres. The remaining individuals were processed through standard immigration procedures.
The 2022 arrests and deportations highlight the legal challenges faced by some within Washington's Ukrainian community. While no public records confirm how many detainees held permanent residency, the cases underscore the strict enforcement of U.S. immigration policies. Those deported either re-entered Ukrainian society or, in some instances, faced immediate military conscription.
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