ICE Arrests Kenyan Man Working for Washington State Agency
Stanley Robert Kengu Muthee entered the US on a valid visa in 2019, stayed years past his authorized departure date, and even held a job with a Washington state agency. On October 26, 2026, ICE arrested him in Seattle while he was in a state agency uniform. His case is a stark reminder that a government job — or a valid work permit — does not shield a visa overstay from removal proceedings.
You came to the US on a valid visa, stayed past your authorized date, and built a life here — maybe even found steady work. Stanley Robert Kengu Muthee did exactly that. ICE agents arrested him on October 26, 2026, in Seattle while he was wearing a uniform from the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families. He now faces removal proceedings.
What happened — and why it matters
Muthee, a Kenyan national from Nairobi, first entered the US on February 6, 2019. His authorized stay ended August 5, 2019. He did not leave. Over the following years, he applied for and received work authorization (called an Employment Authorization Document, or EAD) three times. ICE says those approvals came under the previous administration. When officers questioned him, he also claimed to have worked in Washington state corrections. Officers served him with a warrant of arrest. He remains in ICE custody while his removal case moves through immigration court.
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Immigrant rights, appeals and protective measures
ICE Assistant Director of Public Affairs Micah Bock said in a statement: "Illegal aliens should not be working for state governments — Americans should expect better from the offices meant to serve them — but nonetheless, a job with the state of Washington doesn't come with a free pass to ignore federal immigration law." The statement signals that ICE under the current administration treats government employment as no protection from enforcement. A visa overstay — even one that lasted years with valid work permits in between — can still lead to arrest and removal proceedings at any point.
Visa overstay consequences you need to know
Staying in the US past your visa expiration date is a civil immigration violation. It can trigger a bar on re-entry, make you ineligible for certain benefits, and — as this case shows — result in ICE arrest. Having a work permit does not fix an underlying overstay. It does not give you lawful status on its own. If you are currently out of status, an immigration attorney can review whether any relief — such as adjustment of status, asylum, or cancellation of removal — applies to your situation before ICE acts.
What to do
- If you have overstayed a visa, do not assume a work permit (EAD) protects you from removal. Talk to an immigration lawyer about your current status as soon as possible.
- If ICE arrests you, you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney. Do not sign any documents before consulting a lawyer.
- Ask about an immigration bond hearing — a judge can decide whether you may be released from ICE custody while your case continues. The outcome depends on your individual record and circumstances.
- If you receive a removal order, you have 30 days to appeal it to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Missing that window closes most options for appeal.
What to do, step by step — see our guide “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
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A visa overstay, even one covered by periods of valid EAD authorization, does not erase the underlying unlawful presence. Work permits issued on top of an overstay do not restore lawful status — they only authorize employment. If ICE arrests you, invoke your right to remain silent immediately and request an attorney before any questioning. You have 30 days from a removal order to file an appeal, and missing that deadline is almost always fatal to the case. Consult an immigration attorney now if you are out of status — do not wait for enforcement to find you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does having a work permit (EAD) protect me from deportation if I overstayed my visa?
No. A work permit lets you work legally, but it does not give you lawful immigration status. If you overstayed your visa, you are still considered out of status, and ICE can arrest you regardless of whether you hold a valid EAD.
What happens after ICE arrests someone for a visa overstay?
ICE serves the person with a warrant of arrest and places them in custody. The person then goes through removal proceedings in immigration court. They may request a bond hearing, where a judge decides whether they can be released while the case continues.
How long do I have to appeal a removal order?
You have 30 days from the date of the removal order to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Missing this deadline typically ends your right to appeal.
Does working for a state government protect an immigrant from ICE enforcement?
No. As this case shows, ICE treats state government employment as no barrier to enforcement. Federal immigration law applies regardless of where a person works.