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A man from Arkansas, detained for 30 days by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after officers misidentified his perfume bottle labeled “Opium” for real opium, is now attempting to have his immigration standing restored after charges were dismissed.

Roadside Detainment Leads to Surprising Arrest

The individual, an citizen of India married to an US citizen and pursuing American citizenship, was detained on 3 May after law enforcement in a Benton suburb, a city in Arkansas, stopped his vehicle for a non-moving traffic violation, according to his legal representative.

At the scene, police discovered a tiny fragrance container in his vehicle labeled “Opium” and arrested Raghu for suspected narcotics possession, even though his assertion that the container held perfume and the name “opium” referred to the scent.

“There was a container of opium in your console,” an officer told him. “Go and take 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 pulled over.

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

Lab Results Verify Fragrance, Not Opium

The Arkansas State Crime Lab concluded that the substance in the bottle was fragrance, not opium, yet Raghu spent 72 hours in the Saline county jail, where authorities identified an “administrative/legal error” showing his visa status had expired.

ICE officers then took Raghu into custody and transferred him to a government detention center in Louisiana, where he was held for 30 days.

“My wife called nightly,” Raghu told reporters, speaking 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.”

Accusations Dismissed, but Visa Standing Remains Uncertain

While accusations against him were officially dropped by a district court judge on 20 May, the ICE detainment created a setback in his journey to gaining citizenship.

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

“Despite his release, he now faces deportation status, allowing immediate removal for any infraction, including jaywalking,” reads a statement by his legal counsel. “Moreover, this status prevents him from working and supporting his family, causing severe hardship.”

Legal Appeal Submitted to Address Immigration Problems

The individual submitted a letter to ICE’s legal office this recently, detailing his situation and inquiring whether his legal standing could be rectified through proper legal channels.

His correspondence stated 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,” read the letter from Raghu. “The mounting legal fees and the pressure of not being able to contribute have created a difficult situation for our family, and it has become increasingly challenging to manage.”

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, did not immediately provide a comment regarding this situation.