5 days ago
DACA Recipient Dad in US Since Age 10 Hoping for Green Card Detained by ICE
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A man who legally came to the United States at age 10 as a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and faces deportation, according to his wife.
Newsweek reached out to ICE via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The Trump administration's broad efforts to curtail illegal immigration include government agencies warning DACA recipients that they are not protected by law, going as far as encouraging them to self-deport.
"Illegal aliens who claim to be recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals [DACA] are not automatically protected from deportations," Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of Homeland Security, previously told Newsweek. "DACA does not confer any form of legal status in this country. Any illegal alien who is a DACA recipient may be subject to arrest and deportation for a number of reasons, including if they've committed a crime."
What To Know
Alexander Bukhteev, a "Dreamer," is currently in ICE detention and facing removal proceedings after being detained for the last few months, according to a GoFundMe created by his wife, Rachael Bukhteev, of Palm Coast, Florida.
Newsweek reached out to Rachael Bukhteev via the webpage for comment.
Alexander Bukhteev, who, according to ICE records, is detained at the Florence Correctional Center in Arizona, is slated to stand before a state immigration judge at the end of August.
"That day will decide everything—whether he will be deported from the only country he truly knows, or be allowed to come home to us with a green card and finally have the chance to live without fear," Rachael wrote.
She said the U.S. is his "home." The couple met in high school, grew up together, and have been married for seven years. They spent their anniversary apart while he was in government custody.
"He's not just my husband; he's my best friend, my partner, my daughter's whole world," she wrote. "He was the primary provider for our family and a constant, loving presence in Annalisa's life."
The GoFundMe, which was started on July 23, aims to raise $3,000 to help cover legal fees, filing costs, and potential travel expenses.
Rachael said she's working two jobs, seven days a week, "just to keep up with basic bills and take care of our daughter, Annalisa."
"But no matter how hard I work, there's just not enough left to give him the fighting chance he deserves," she wrote.
As of the morning of August 5, the GoFundMe had already raised $1,100 from 18 donations ranging between $10 and $150.
Illinois Rep. Delia Ramirez speaks during a news conference with immigration experts and DACA recipients to mark the 13th anniversary of the DACA program in Washington, D.C., on June 11, 2025.
Illinois Rep. Delia Ramirez speaks during a news conference with immigration experts and DACA recipients to mark the 13th anniversary of the DACA program in Washington, D.C., on June 11, 2025.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump told Meet the Press in December: "The Democrats have made it very, very difficult to do anything. Republicans are very open to the Dreamers. The Dreamers, we're talking many years ago, they were brought into this country. Many years ago. Some of them are no longer young people. And in many cases, they've become successful. They have great jobs. In some cases, they have small businesses. Some cases, they might have large businesses. And we're going to have to do something with them."
What Happens Next
DACA's future remains unclear as legal challenges remain ongoing in federal courts.
In states like California, which, less than a year ago, allowed undocumented immigrants to sign up for and obtain Covered California health insurance, about 2,300 Dreamers must reportedly find health insurance elsewhere or lose their coverage when the program is terminated at the end of the month.
