Beata Siemionkowicz, originally from Poland and a long-time U.S. resident with a green card, faces a substantial legal ordeal. She has spent nearly a year detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Kentucky. The reason for this detention includes past shoplifting convictions and allegations from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) about document forgery for immigration benefits.
Background
Siemionkowicz has held her green card since 2003 and has been living in the U.S. predominantly since arriving in 1995. She has raised two daughters, Claudia and Gabi, during her time in America. Despite previous court dealings over her old shoplifting charges, which ICE has categorized as moral turpitude, DHS continues to press legal challenges against her.
According to immigration law, crimes involving moral turpitude can lead to deportation. These offenses include theft and fraud, among others. President Donald Trump had made it clear through his administration’s policies that deportation efforts are being expanded, impacting those legally residing in the U.S., including green card holders.
The DHS underscores that while a green card allows residency, it can be revoked if laws are violated. Newsweek has reached out to the Siemionkowicz family for comments regarding her legal situation.
Arrest and Detention
Siemionkowicz was arrested on August 2, 2025, while gardening at her daughter’s home in Illinois. Following her arrest, she was moved to a detention center in Newport, Kentucky, where she remains. The DHS labels her as a “criminal alien” due to several past retail theft offenses in Illinois. Although she entered the U.S. legally in 1995, she was accused of overstaying her visa until a green card was granted in 2003.
Allegations of document forgery from 2001 have been mentioned by DHS, though they did not detail these claims further. The family, via a GoFundMe page, acknowledges her past misdemeanor thefts, which were minor, totaling less than $150. Newsweek could not independently verify these details.
Legal Proceedings and Advocacy
An immigration judge issued a removal order in December 2025. Her family, with support from Senator Dick Durbin, has appealed this decision. Durbin’s office has expressed a commitment to aiding the Siemionkowicz family.
There were additional claims against her concerning charges in Poland, which she denies, backed by documents from the Polish government affirming no charges exist against her there.
Family Impact and Advocacy Efforts
Siemionkowicz worked as a cleaner and caregiver, serving as the main financial support for her household. Her daughter Gabi has temporarily paused her nursing education to address the increasing financial burden.
The daughters have established an online presence through Instagram to garner support for their mother’s release, citing a lack of concrete evidence from DHS about her prolonged detention.
Conditions in Detention
Donna Hughes-Brown, who was detained with Siemionkowicz, recounted the harsh conditions at Campbell County Detention Center, noting issues with sanitation and overcrowding. Despite claims from ICE about the availability of medical and sanitation services, detainees report widespread inadequacies.
Implications for Green Card Holders
Approximately 12.8 million green card holders reside in the U.S. Despite having legal rights to live and work, they can face detention and deportation over criminal or immigration violations. Reports have highlighted an increased frequency of lawful permanent residents being detained. The Trump administration emphasizes targeting individuals with criminal backgrounds as part of broader immigration enforcement efforts.