Wisconsin state trooper released from ICE custody after ‘dramatic’ arrest

A 21-year-old Wisconsin state trooper was released Friday after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents a day earlier in what his lawyer described as a “dramatic experience.”

Carel Aaron Van Der Merwe, who is originally from South Africa, was traveling to visit family when the arrest happened, his attorney Marc Christopher confirmed to NewsNation, the Hill’s broadcasting partner. He was released under an order of supervision and will be required to periodically check in with ICE.

Van Der Merwe came to the U.S. with his family from South Africa on a visa when he was 14 years old, Christopher said. The attorney added that his family has been waiting seven years for their asylum case to be heard.

His attorney said he plans to speak with Van Der Merwe to discuss future steps in his case.

“I just told him I wanted him to get back, get reacclimated, just get settled, because I know he’s gone through a very dramatic experience,” Christopher said.

The trooper previously lived in New Mexico with his family and wanted to serve in the U.S. military. He could not do so because he was not a permanent resident, his attorney said. He went on to graduate with a criminal justice degree before moving to Wisconsin for work.

Over the past year, he has been working for the Wisconsin State Patrol. He has a work authorization that is valid until 2030.

“He entered the country in March 2019 with legal permission to stay until September 2019. In defiance of our nation’s laws, he overstayed his admission,” a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in a statement according to a USA Today report .

“Work authorization or a pending application do not confer legal status in the U.S.,” the spokesperson added.

Van Der Merwe’s attorney called this incident “absurd and ridiculous,” adding that the trooper and his family have “been here lawfully. They have been waiting for their application to be adjudicated and to be decided by immigration.”

Immigration has been a central focus for the Trump administration since the beginning of 2025. Democrats across the country have campaigned against the crackdown with some even calling to abolish ICE.

With moves like regulatory changes to H-1B visas , plans to revoke 200,000 temporary visas and increased ICE presence in sanctuary cities across the country, the Trump administration has continued to ramp up its efforts on cracking down on immigration.

Juan Anguiano contributed to the report.