### Newlywed's Nightmare: Stateless Palestinian Woman's 140-Day Ordeal in US Immigration Detention Ward Sakeik, a 22-year-old stateless Palestinian woman, recently shared her harrowing experience of being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for 140 days after returning from her honeymoon. Sakeik, who has lived in the U.S. since she was eight, was handcuffed for 16 hours and claims she was treated inhumanely during her detention, describing the experience as being "moved around like cattle" [https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/07/05/i-was-moved-around-like-cattle-says-stateless-palestinian-woman-detained-by-ice]. Her case has drawn attention to the plight of stateless individuals and the treatment they receive under U.S. immigration policies. ### Overview of the Incident and Its Implications 1. **Background of Detention**: - Sakeik was detained upon her return from a honeymoon in February 2025, despite having complied with all immigration policies [https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/national-international/watch-live-newlywed-detained-by-ice-while-returing-from-honeymoon-speaks-publicly]. - She was held in ICE custody for a total of 140 days, during which she claims to have been denied basic rights [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/criminalized-for-being-stateless-newlywed-held-by-ice-for-140-days-says-was-denied-basic-rights-officials-defend-detention/articleshow/122257661.cms]. 2. **Personal Impact**: - Sakeik expressed that she lost "five months of her life" due to the detention, which has had a profound emotional and psychological impact on her [https://abcnews.go.com/US/newlywed-released-ice-detention-lost-5-months-life/story?id=123455920]. - She has called for support for others still in custody, highlighting the need for reform in the immigration system [https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/north-texas-woman-ice-custody-140-day-detention-release]. 3. **Public and Official Response**: - Sakeik's story has sparked outrage and calls for change, with many advocating for the rights of stateless individuals and criticizing the treatment they receive in detention [https://www.timesnownews.com/world/from-newlywed-to-detainee-stateless-palestinian-woman-released-after-4-month-ice-ordeal-article-152227614]. - Officials have defended the detention process, citing legal protocols, but Sakeik's experience raises questions about the humanity of such practices [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/criminalized-for-being-stateless-newlywed-held-by-ice-for-140-days-says-was-denied-basic-rights-officials-defend-detention/articleshow/122257661.cms]. ### Key Data and Evidence Supporting the Claims - **Duration of Detention**: Sakeik was held for **140 days**, with **16 hours** spent in handcuffs upon her initial detention [https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/handcuffed-for-16-hours-treated-like-cattle-newlywed-bride-recounts-us-detention-horror-8832308/amp/1]. - **Background**: Sakeik was born in Saudi Arabia to Palestinian parents and has lived in the U.S. since she was eight years old, making her stateless [https://www.timesnownews.com/world/from-newlywed-to-detainee-stateless-palestinian-woman-released-after-4-month-ice-ordeal-article-152227614]. - **Public Statements**: Sakeik has publicly stated that she felt "criminalized for being stateless" under the current immigration policies [https://sg.news.yahoo.com/ice-arrested-palestinian-newlywed-her-212559839.html]. ### Conclusion: A Call for Change in Immigration Policies 1. **Human Rights Concerns**: The treatment of Ward Sakeik during her detention raises significant human rights concerns regarding the treatment of stateless individuals in the U.S. immigration system. 2. **Need for Reform**: There is a growing call for reform in immigration policies to ensure that individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their immigration status. 3. **Awareness and Advocacy**: Sakeik's story serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by stateless individuals and the urgent need for advocacy and support for those still in detention. In summary, the case of Ward Sakeik highlights the complexities and challenges of immigration policies in the U.S., particularly for stateless individuals. Her experience underscores the need for systemic change to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.