Kasper Eriksen, a Danish citizen and lawful permanent resident of the United States, has been unexpectedly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) despite his long-standing residency and efforts toward citizenship.
The 31-year-old welder, who has lived in the U.S. since 2013, was arrested during what was supposed to be his final interview for naturalization. His family’s story highlights the emotional and financial strain that can come with sudden detainment, even for individuals who have followed legal immigration processes diligently.
A Sudden and Shocking Detainment
On April 15, 2025, Kasper Eriksen traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, for what he and his wife, Savannah Hobart Eriksen, expected to be his final step in becoming a U.S. citizen. Kasper, who had been living legally in the United States for over a decade, was taken into custody by ICE agents due to a paperwork issue dating back to 2015.
According to Savannah, the arrest came without warning or clear explanation, leaving her confused and frightened as she was sent home without any information about her husband’s whereabouts.
The timing was particularly difficult because Savannah was 22 weeks pregnant and had to make the long three-hour drive back to their home in Sturgis, Mississippi, alone.
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Kasper’s detainment has lasted for more than a month, and despite his application for citizenship being under active review since September 2024, no court date has yet been scheduled. The situation has left the family in a state of uncertainty and distress.
Building a Life and a Family in Mississippi
Kasper Eriksen first came to the United States in 2009 as a high school exchange student. Over the years, he made Mississippi his home, building a family with Savannah. Together, they are raising four children and were expecting their fifth in August 2025. Kasper is the primary breadwinner, working as a foreman at The Welding Works, where he is respected for his strong work ethic and leadership.
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Savannah homeschools their children, and Kasper has been instrumental in supporting their education and family life. The couple is also building their family home, a symbol of their hopes for the future. Despite Kasper’s lawful status and the long time he has spent in the country, a simple paperwork issue from nearly a decade ago has now uprooted their lives.
Savannah has described Kasper as an outstanding employee and a valuable community member. He pays taxes, holds a valid driver’s license and Social Security number, and is deeply involved in his community. Yet none of these factors have prevented his detention or the separation of their family.
The Emotional and Financial Toll of Detention
The impact of Kasper’s detention extends far beyond legal complications. Savannah has spoken openly about the emotional toll the situation has taken on her and their children. The stress of not knowing when or if Kasper will be released weighs heavily on the family’s mental and emotional well-being. With Kasper detained, Savannah faces the challenge of managing the household alone while also preparing for the arrival of their new baby.
Financially, the burden is significant. Kasper is the sole income earner, and his absence has strained their ability to cover everyday expenses, including bills and legal fees associated with trying to secure his release. Savannah expresses gratitude for the support they have received from friends, family, and their community, which has helped them navigate this difficult period.
Kasper Eriksen’s legal team has been working to arrange parole or bond for him, but the overloaded immigration court system means no hearing date has been set. The backlog in immigration courts exceeds 3.7 million cases, leaving many immigrants, including Kasper, in extended limbo.
This story illustrates the challenges faced by many green card holders and legal immigrants who become entangled in the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. For Kasper Eriksen and his family, the journey toward citizenship has taken a painful detour, underscoring the emotional, financial, and legal struggles that accompany unexpected detainment.
As they wait for answers and a resolution, the Eriksen family remains hopeful that Kasper will soon return home to continue building their life together in Mississippi.