Immigration Lawyer Receives Misplaced DHS Deportation Notice

When Nicole Micheroni received an email from the Department of Homeland Security on Friday morning, she wasn’t surprised. As a seasoned immigration lawyer based in Newton, she often engaged with federal authorities.

However, upon opening the email, she was puzzled to find it seemingly addressed to her personally.

“It is time for you to leave the United States,” the email stated.

Born in Massachusetts, Micheroni was baffled. The email, labeled “Notification of Termination of Parole,” lacked any reference to a client name or case number.

“It took me a few moments to realize it wasn’t meant for a client but for me,” Micheroni explained.

According to a statement by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the email was not intended for her, though it was not a scam either. It was part of the Trump administration’s initiative to deport numerous migrants granted temporary residence and work permissions under Biden-era policies.

“DHS is terminating your parole,” the email continued. “Do not attempt to stay in the United States—the federal government will locate you.”

This prompted concern from Stephanie Sherman-Stokes.

“After sharing all their personal information with the government, they are now told to self-deport,” she noted.

Jeff Thielman, president of the International Institute of New England, which aids immigrants in Massachusetts, revealed that many clients, mostly Haitian, were receiving the same letters from ICE. These individuals had entered the U.S. legally via the CBP One application.

“It’s terrifying for recipients,” Thielman stressed. “They adhered to all regulations, kept the government informed of their whereabouts, and yet they face repercussions.”

On Thursday, a federal judge in Boston issued a stay halting the administration’s move to end the humanitarian parole program.

Massachusetts immigration attorney Megan Kludt described the letters as an intimidation tactic designed to avoid court processes.

“If you can’t deport them and want them out, scaring them into leaving becomes the only option,” Kludt elaborated.

Micheroni, with 12 years in immigration law, noted she’d never before witnessed immigration parole terminated via email. She remarked on the many rapid alterations DHS has implemented in managing immigration cases under the Trump administration.