Cincinnati-based immigration lawyer Trisha Chatterjee, of Indian origin, has recently reported an unusual experience while attempting to assist her clients detained at Butler County Jail. Chatterjee claims that when she contacted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for guidance on submitting paperwork, she was inexplicably directed to a Taco Bell.
Chatterjee needed to figure out the correct procedure for submitting paperwork for her clients. According to her account, she faced days of unanswered calls before finally reaching an ICE officer. This officer reportedly offered a phone number for someone who could assist her. To Chatterjee's surprise, the provided number connected her to a Taco Bell.
Chatterjee recounted her experience to The Enquirer, expressing her initial excitement at finally getting a response from someone who could potentially help. However, that excitement quickly turned to disbelief when the call was answered with "Hello, Taco Bell?". Chatterjee confirmed with the employee that she had indeed reached the fast-food restaurant. It remains unclear whether this was an isolated incident or a recurring issue.
ICE has denied Chatterjee's claims. Tricia McLaughlin, a representative for the Department of Homeland Security, refuted Chatterjee's account on X.
Chatterjee also shared her experience on TikTok. In her video, she humorously requested people not to call the Taco Bell, noting that the employees there were nice.
The incident has sparked considerable discussion and amusement online, raising questions about the accessibility and reliability of information provided by government agencies. While the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, Chatterjee's experience highlights the challenges that immigration lawyers and their clients often face when navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system.
