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An Arkansas resident, held for 30 days by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after officers misidentified his fragrance container labeled “Opium” for actual opium, is now seeking to have his visa status restored after accusations were dismissed.

Traffic Stop Results in Unexpected Arrest

The individual, an Indian national married to an US citizen and pursuing US citizenship, was apprehended on May 3rd after law enforcement in Benton, Arkansas, stopped his vehicle for a minor traffic infraction, according to his attorney.

During the traffic stop, police discovered a small perfume bottle in his car labeled “Opium” and took into custody Raghu for suspected narcotics possession, despite his assertion that the bottle contained perfume and the word “opium” indicated the scent.

“There was a container of opium in your console,” an officer informed Raghu. “Go and take a seat.”

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

Ashley Mays, Raghu’s spouse, reached the scene and expressed, “I don’t understand why he is being arrested.”

Lab Results Verify Perfume, Not Opium

The Arkansas State Crime Lab determined that the material in the bottle was fragrance, and not opium, yet the individual remained for 72 hours in the local detention facility, where officials identified an procedural mistake indicating his immigration status had expired.

Immigration authorities then took Raghu into custody and transferred him to a federal immigration facility in a Louisiana location, where he was detained for one month.

“My wife called nightly,” Raghu explained to media, speaking next to 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.”

Accusations Dismissed, but Visa Standing Remains Uncertain

Although charges against him were officially dropped by a judicial authority on May 20th, the immigration detention caused a problem in his journey to becoming a permanent citizen.

Through a donation page to cover legal fees and basic expenses, it was stated that Raghu’s work visa was canceled.

“Despite his release, he now faces deportation status, allowing immediate removal for any infraction, including 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 Visa Issues

The individual submitted a formal request to immigration authorities this week, explaining his case and asking whether his immigration status could be resolved through official procedures.

In the letter explained that his immigration attorney had “failed to timely file the required paperwork before my visa expired, which left me vulnerable and placed me in my current situation”.

“My spouse, my main supporter, now bears all financial responsibilities since I cannot work,” said the document by him. “Increasing legal costs and my inability to provide have made family life very hard and difficult to handle.”

Federal authorities, which oversees immigration enforcement, has not yet offered a response regarding this situation.