Wisconsin state trooper detained by ICE; later reports say he was released

World · First reported 6 Nov, 20:11 · Updated 20:19

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Carel Aaron Van Der Merwe, a 21-year-old Wisconsin state trooper, was detained by ICE at a Madison-area airport while waiting for a domestic flight. DHS said he had overstayed his authorized stay; his lawyer said he had work authorization and a pending asylum application. A later report from his law office said he would be released under supervision, while his immigration case remained unresolved.

Van Der Merwe, 21, was detained at Dane County Regional Airport in Madison on November 5 while waiting to board a domestic flight.
His lawyer said Van Der Merwe had a work permit valid through 2030 and was awaiting an asylum interview; DHS said he entered legally in March 2019 but was permitted to stay only until September 2019.
DHS said he would remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. His lawyer said he would seek release on bond.
A later report said Van Der Merwe would be released under supervision, with regular ICE check-ins and electronic monitoring; his immigration case was still to be heard by an immigration judge.
The Wisconsin State Patrol confirmed his employment and said he joined the agency on July 13, 2025; the report said agency rules allow non-US citizens with valid work authorization to serve as troopers.

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Key facts

Age: 21
Detention location: Dane County Regional Airport, Madison
Entry and authorized stay, according to DHS: Entered March 2019; permission to stay until September 2019
Work authorization, according to his lawyer: Valid through 2030
Later reported release terms: Supervision, regular ICE check-ins, and electronic monitoring