Trump Supporter Learns ICE Doesn't Just Target 'Worst of the Worst'

A New Jersey couple's immigration ordeal has them reconsidering their MAGA allegiance.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Sandra Hafraoui, a Donald Trump supporter, is regretting her vote after her husband Abdellatif, a Moroccan national living in the U.S. for nearly 40 years, was detained by ICE despite having no criminal record. Abdellatif was caught up in the administration's immigration crackdown due to a missed immigration court date he was unaware of over a decade ago. He spent 108 days in custody before being released on bond, and the couple has spent around $50,000 in legal fees fighting his case.

Why it matters

This case highlights the broad reach of Trump's hardline deportation policies, which have ensnared many immigrants with longstanding ties to the U.S. and no criminal records, contrary to the administration's claims that they are only targeting the 'worst of the worst.' It also raises questions about due process and the treatment of immigrants in ICE custody.

The details

Abdellatif Hafraoui was detained by ICE at Newark Liberty International Airport as he and his wife Sandra were attempting to fly out on vacation. He was held in custody for 108 days despite having no criminal record, due to a missed immigration court date over a decade ago that he was unaware of. During his detention, Abdellatif was placed in solitary confinement for 10 days as punishment for refusing to board a commercial flight and sign away his rights.

  • Abdellatif Hafraoui was detained by ICE on August 11.
  • Abdellatif was released on bond on November 26 after 108 days in custody.

The players

Sandra Hafraoui

A New Jersey resident who voted for Donald Trump in the last three elections, but is now reconsidering her MAGA allegiance due to the treatment her husband Abdellatif endured.

Abdellatif Hafraoui

A Moroccan national who has lived in the U.S. for nearly 40 years and has no criminal record, but was detained by ICE due to a missed immigration court date over a decade ago that he was unaware of.

Donald Trump

The former president whose hardline deportation policies have ensnared many immigrants with longstanding ties to the U.S. and no criminal records, contrary to his claims that they are only targeting the 'worst of the worst.'

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of Homeland Security who has defended the aggressive tactics of ICE agents, insisting they are targeting only the 'worst of the worst.'

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What they’re saying

“To think we were MAGA! You [Trump] said you were going after the worst of the worst, but instead you ruined our life.”

— Sandra Hafraoui (NJ.com)

“We just want to be treated like people with rights, not as problems to be managed.”

— Sandra Hafraoui (NJ.com)

“I just want my life back without all this fear and uncertainty.”

— Abdellatif Hafraoui (Facebook)

What’s next

Abdellatif Hafraoui's immigration case is ongoing as he continues to fight deportation, and he is now required to wear an electronic ankle monitor and attend regular ICE check-ins.

The takeaway

This case highlights the broad impact of the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies, which have swept up many immigrants with deep ties to the U.S. and no criminal records, contrary to the administration's claims. It raises concerns about due process and the treatment of immigrants in ICE custody.