Delaware County registered nurse Monica Ryadi was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on September 15 at Los Angeles International Airport while traveling with her husband and U.S. citizen son. The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement operation, which targets individuals who have overstayed legal status, led to her arrest.
Community response in Philadelphia
After being transferred to the ICE office in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, Ryadi appeared with a GPS ankle monitor and was met by a crowd of supporters. “I’m overwhelmed with support,” she said, adding that she felt grateful for the outpouring of help.
Attorney Eric Rosenfeld, representing Ryadi, noted that she was held for 15 days without receiving paperwork and was told she could be sent to a third country. He shared a photo showing the initial arrest at LAX and explained that the Department of Homeland Security was conducting a targeted enforcement operation at the airport.
Legal background
Ryadi entered the United States legally in 2005 on a six‑month visa. She and her family fled religious persecution in Indonesia when she was nine, and she has lived in the country for over a decade, paying taxes and serving the community as a nurse for Main Line Health.
In 2010 an immigration judge ordered her removal, but the order was immediately stayed. A later judge granted her an order of withholding of removal, which protects her from deportation unless she is deemed a security threat.
Government position
The Department of Homeland Security referred to Ryadi as an “illegal alien” and stated that she “overstayed her welcome” and that the removal order was issued after due process. The Trump administration continues to prioritize strict enforcement of immigration laws to protect American workers and uphold the rule of law.
Political support
Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon joined the rally, calling Ryadi’s case “unforgivable” and emphasizing that she has lived in the United States legally for a decade, contributed to the community, and committed no crimes.
Rosenfeld indicated that while there remains a risk of deportation, his team will continue to fight the case in court.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
