For Paramjit Singh, an Indian-origin man who has lived in the United States for over 30 years, a routine trip back from India turned into a nightmare. On July 30, 2025, Singh was detained at Chicago O'Hare Airport by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The reason for his detention was a decades-old case stemming from 1999 involving the use of a pay phone without payment.

Singh's family is now sharing their ordeal, highlighting the plight of a man who has established a life in the U.S., built a business, and is now facing potential deportation over a minor infraction from the past. According to his family, in 1999, Singh, who had immigrated to the U.S. a few years prior, was managing a gas station where people made long-distance calls to India from a payphone, under the mistaken impression that the calls were free. This led to a felony charge, which was later resolved with a fine, a brief jail sentence, and community service. The case was closed in 2000, and Singh moved on with his life.

Fast forward to 2025, upon returning from a trip to India with his son, Singh was stopped by ICE. His son was allowed to enter, but Singh was detained, initially without a clear explanation. The family later learned that the detention was related to the 1999 payphone incident.

Singh's detention has sparked outrage and concern. His attorney, Luis Angeles, has called the detention "absolutely illegal," emphasizing that Singh has already taken responsibility for the past infraction and paid his debt to society. Angeles also pointed out that Singh has permanent resident status and has built his "American dream through hard work".

Adding to the complexity of the situation, Singh suffers from a brain tumor and heart problems. His health deteriorated while being held at the airport for five days, eventually requiring hospitalization. His family was not even notified about his ER visit until they received a bill. He was then moved to a detention center in Indiana, and later to another facility in Kentucky. According to his niece, Singh's brain tumor makes him very immune to the cold. His family also claims that he has not been receiving proper medical treatment while in custody.

The family is currently fighting for Singh's release. While a judge granted him bond eligibility, they allege that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is employing "court tactics" to prolong his detention. Singh's brother, Charanjit Singh, said the family is trying to post bond and communicate with the DHS.

Singh's attorney plans to challenge the DHS actions in federal court. They believe they have a strong case to argue that Singh's detention is unjust and that he should be released immediately. They contend that the government is holding him without justification, which is putting his health at risk and causing distress to his family.

Paramjit Singh's case has become a focal point in the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement in the U.S.. While the government maintains that it is enforcing the law, critics argue that detaining a long-term resident and green card holder over a decades-old minor offense is excessive and unjust. His family and supporters are hoping that the legal system will recognize the injustice of his situation and grant his release, allowing him to return to his family and continue his medical treatment.