Polish Green Card Holder Faces Deportation Over Past Convictions

Beata Siemionkowicz, originally from Poland, has spent years in the U.S. as a green card holder. Despite living in the country legally since 2003, she now faces deportation due to past legal issues related to shoplifting and alleged document forgery for immigration purposes, according to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson.

Background and Charges

Siemionkowicz has two grown daughters and has been in the U.S. for most of her adult life. Despite resolving her past charges in court, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) considers them crimes involving moral turpitude. Such offenses often include fraud, theft, or dishonest conduct and can lead to deportation or immigration penalties.

Under President Donald Trump’s administration, there have been aggressive deportation policies affecting many, including those with legal statuses. The DHS stresses that possessing a green card is a privilege that can be revoked if laws are violated.

Details and Appeals

Siemionkowicz was arrested on August 2, 2025, in Illinois while gardening at her daughter’s home. Initially held near Chicago, she was later moved to a facility in Kentucky, where she has remained for nearly a year.

DHS claims that she overstayed her legal admission in 1996. She was granted a green card in 2003. The agency accuses her of forging documents for immigration benefits in 2001, though further details were not provided. She has been arrested for minor retail theft twice, in 2005 and 2011, with the thefts totaling less than $150.

Her family has launched an appeal and is working with Senator Dick Durbin to secure her release from detention. Her daughters also advocate for her through a GoFundMe campaign and social media, questioning the lack of substantial evidence provided by DHS.

Conditions in Detention

Reports from the Campbell County Detention Center describe harsh conditions. Donna Hughes-Brown, who was detained with Siemionkowicz, recounted being housed with serious offenders and noted poor facility conditions, including mold and inadequate sanitation.

Despite ICE’s claim of providing comprehensive medical care, detainees have reported limited access to hygiene products and medical services. Newsweek has sought further comments from both the facility and ICE.

Green Card Holder Detentions

The U.S. hosts approximately 12.8 million lawful permanent residents. Although they have the right to live and work in the country, they can face removal proceedings under specific circumstances.

In recent cases, several green card holders have faced similar experiences. Increased enforcement actions target individuals with criminal convictions or alleged violations. The Trump administration claims to focus on those with the most serious offenses.

From January 2025, more than 590,600 individuals have been deported, reflecting the administration’s continued stringent immigration policies.