Family members said Kaur is being held in a large dormitory-style room with dozens of other detainees, where lights remain on throughout the night and constant noise makes sleep difficult. Visiting hours are limited, and family members often wait an entire day for a brief meeting.

“It’s been a nightmare. She doesn’t belong there. It’s so inhumane,” Joti said.

Originally from India, Kaur and her husband settled in California in the mid-1990s, first in Laguna Beach and later in Long Beach. For more than two decades, they ran Natraj Cuisine of India and Nepal on Belmont Shore’s 2nd Street, becoming a well-known part of the local community. Kaur also worked for nearly 25 years at a Belmont Shore Rite Aid until the pharmacy chain closed its remaining outlets earlier this year.

The couple has three children, two US citizens and Joti, who has legal status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme.

Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia, who represents Long Beach, has called Kaur’s detention “horrific” and urged her release. His office said it is in contact with federal authorities as the family prepares additional legal filings that could allow Kaur to be released on bond while her case proceeds.

A GoFundMe campaign launched by family friends has raised over USD 26,000 to cover legal fees, commissary expenses and communication costs during her detention.

The US Department of Homeland Security has not yet issued a statement explaining the reasons for Kaur’s detention. As of this week, she remains in custody at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, with no timeline announced for a hearing or release.