Rift File: U.S. Citizens Detained by ICE (2007–Present)

This Rift File documents confirmed incidents in which U.S. citizens were detained or deported by immigration authorities due to misidentification, database errors, or procedural failures. Federal investigations, court records, and civil rights reporting confirm that such cases have occurred across multiple jurisdictions. The information below reflects verified sources and official findings where available. This file does not evaluate intent, assign blame, or predict legal outcomes.

Key signals

Documented cases include Mark Lyttle, a U.S. citizen deported in 2008 after authorities misclassified him as a noncitizen, and Pedro Guzman, a U.S. citizen deported in 2007 despite repeated claims of citizenship. Oversight reports and civil rights organizations have identified additional cases in which authorities detained citizens before verifying their status. In most incidents, identity mismatches, outdated records, or delayed verification processes played a central role.

Legal posture

U.S. law protects citizens from immigration detention under constitutional due process standards. However, immigration enforcement often relies on preliminary data before full verification occurs. Courts have addressed wrongful detention claims in some cases, although outcomes vary based on documentation and agency conduct. Federal agencies describe such incidents as rare, yet they acknowledge weaknesses in verification systems.

Oversight status

Oversight mechanisms include federal investigations, civil litigation, congressional review, and public records disclosures. Reports from the Government Accountability Office and the Department of Homeland Security have identified procedural vulnerabilities in identity verification systems. However, federal agencies have not released comprehensive data on how often authorities detain citizens, which limits independent evaluation of systemic risk.

Open questions

How frequently authorities detain U.S. citizens before completing verification. What thresholds trigger detention instead of secondary review. Whether agencies track wrongful detention cases internally. How enforcement speed influences verification accuracy. And whether future reforms will strengthen procedural safeguards or maintain current operational priorities.

File status: Active • Confirmed cases: Mark Lyttle, Pedro Guzman • Scope: Federal immigration enforcement • Last reviewed January 2026