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An Arkansas resident, detained for 30 days by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after law enforcement misidentified his fragrance container labeled “Opium” for real opium, is now attempting to have his immigration standing reinstated after accusations were dismissed.

Traffic Stop Leads to Unexpected Arrest

The individual, an Indian national wed to an American woman and working towards US citizenship, was apprehended on 3 May after law enforcement in Benton, Arkansas, stopped his vehicle for a non-moving traffic violation, according to his legal representative.

During the traffic stop, police found a small perfume bottle in his car marked “Opium” and arrested the man for alleged drug possession, even though his explanation that the bottle contained fragrance and the name “opium” referred to the aroma.

“You got a vial of opium that was in your center console,” an officer told Raghu. “Please have a seat.”

“I was obeying all rules when stopped. I had done nothing incorrect,” said Raghu, adding that he was delivering food when pulled over.

Ashley Mays, the man’s partner, reached the location and said, “I’m confused on why he’s going to jail.”

Forensic Analysis Verify Fragrance, But Not Opium

The Arkansas State Crime Lab determined that the material in the container was fragrance, not opium, yet the individual spent 72 hours in the Saline county jail, where authorities found an procedural mistake showing his visa status had expired.

Immigration authorities then detained him and moved him to a federal immigration facility in a Louisiana location, where he was detained for 30 days.

“My wife called nightly,” he explained to media, speaking beside his spouse. “They were both weeping, with my stepdaughter holding a Bible. She cried frequently. My wife considered selling our vehicles and relocating abroad for a better life.”

Charges Dropped, but Immigration Status Is Still Uncertain

Although accusations against Raghu were officially dropped by a judicial authority on 20 May, the immigration detention caused a setback in his journey to gaining citizenship.

Through a donation page to cover attorney costs and basic expenses, it was mentioned that his work visa was canceled.

“It is my understanding that, though released, Kapil now has a ‘deportation’ status, meaning he can be immediately deported for any minor offense, even jaywalking,” said a declaration by his legal counsel. “Moreover, this status prevents him from working and supporting his family, causing severe hardship.”

Formal Request Submitted to Address Immigration Issues

The individual submitted a letter to ICE’s legal office this week, explaining his situation and asking whether his immigration status could be rectified through proper legal channels.

In the letter stated that his immigration attorney had “did not submit necessary documents on time before my visa lapsed, making me susceptible to my present circumstances.”

“My spouse, my main supporter, now bears all financial responsibilities since I cannot work,” said the letter by him. “The mounting legal fees and the pressure of not being able to contribute have created a difficult situation for our family, and it has become increasingly challenging to manage.”

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, has not yet offered a comment regarding Raghu’s case.