ICE Detainee Returns Home in Yankton

Nate Samudzi, a UPS driver in Yankton, was detained by ICE but released after community support.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Nate Samudzi, a UPS driver in Yankton, South Dakota, was detained by ICE while deboarding a plane with his wife in St. Louis. Samudzi has been living in the U.S. since he was 4 years old and started the citizenship process 4 years ago. After being detained for 6 days, Samudzi was released thanks to community support and elected officials.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities and challenges faced by immigrants navigating the U.S. citizenship process, even those who have lived in the country for most of their lives and are active members of their local communities.

The details

Nate Samudzi was detained by ICE on February 12th while deboarding a plane in St. Louis with his wife Sydney. The couple had just taken their first trip away as new parents, as they had a child 6 months ago. Nate has been living in Yankton for 5 years, working at UPS, paying taxes, and participating in his community and church. A GoFundMe was started by Sydney's cousin to cover travel and legal expenses, raising over $54,000 of their $60,000 goal.

  • On February 12, Nate Samudzi was detained by ICE while deboarding a plane in St. Louis.
  • On February 15, Sydney Samudzi was able to visit her husband for 30 minutes.
  • On February 18, 6 days after Nate's detention, he was released.

The players

Nate Samudzi

A UPS driver in Yankton, South Dakota who has been living in the U.S. since he was 4 years old and started the citizenship process 4 years ago.

Sydney Samudzi

Nate Samudzi's wife, who was with him when he was detained by ICE.

Morgan Palmer

Sydney Samudzi's cousin, who started a GoFundMe to cover travel and legal expenses.

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What they’re saying

“I cannot even fathom the amount of love and support we have received, not only from Yankton but also from Nate's hometown of Vermillion, over the past week. This really is a community that has taken us in and treated us with kindness and love, and for that, we are forever grateful.”

— Sydney Samudzi (GoFundMe)

“Remember, when there is a chance to spread hate, please choose love instead. This has shown how much a community can come together and unite to be stronger than ever. Again, we still have a long process ahead of us, but we do hope this shines a light on how the immigration process is not always as simple as you think.”

— Sydney Samudzi (GoFundMe)

What’s next

Nate Samudzi will continue to work towards gaining U.S. citizenship, a process that he has been pursuing for the past 4 years.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities and challenges faced by immigrants, even those who have lived in the U.S. for most of their lives and are active members of their local communities, as they navigate the citizenship process. It also demonstrates the power of community support in overcoming such challenges.