ICE Detention Pushes North Carolina Nursing Student To Self-Deport After 6 Months

A 20-year-old Gardner-Webb nursing student, detained by ICE for six months at Stewart Detention Center in Georgia, withdrew her asylum claim and chose voluntary removal to Honduras, citing mental strain and costs. Attorneys say detention conditions and legal fees—often $5,000 to $20,000—are pushing some asylum seekers to abandon cases. The story underscores growing reports in August 2025 of detainees self-deporting after prolonged custody. Highlights enforcement dynamics and systemic barriers impacting asylum seekers.