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A man from Arkansas, held for one month by federal immigration authorities after law enforcement misidentified his perfume bottle labeled “Opium” for real opium, is now attempting to have his immigration standing reinstated after accusations were dropped.

Traffic Stop Results in Unexpected Arrest

The individual, an Indian national wed to an US citizen and working towards American citizenship, was detained on May 3rd after law enforcement in Benton, a city in Arkansas, pulled him over for a minor traffic infraction, as stated by his legal representative.

During the traffic stop, officers found a tiny fragrance container in his car labeled “Opium” and arrested the man for alleged drug possession, despite his explanation that the bottle held fragrance and the word “opium” indicated the aroma.

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

“I was not doing anything wrong when he pulled me over. I was following all regulations,” stated the detainee, who mentioned he was making a food delivery when stopped.

Ashley Mays, the man’s partner, arrived at the scene and said, “I don’t understand why he is being arrested.”

Lab Results Confirm Fragrance, But Not Opium

State forensic experts determined that the substance in the container was fragrance, and not opium, yet the individual remained for three days in the Saline county jail, where officials found an “administrative/legal error” showing his immigration status had lapsed.

ICE officers then took Raghu into custody and moved him to a government detention center in a Louisiana location, where he was held for 30 days.

“My wife called nightly,” he told media, talking next to his wife. “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 charges against Raghu were dismissed by a district court judge on May 20th, the ICE detainment created a setback in his journey to becoming a permanent citizen.

In a fundraising effort to cover legal fees and living costs, it was stated that his work visa was canceled.

“Despite his release, he now faces deportation status, allowing immediate removal for any infraction, including jaywalking,” reads a statement by his attorney. “Moreover, this status prevents him from working and supporting his family, causing severe hardship.”

Formal Request Submitted to Resolve Visa Issues

Raghu sent a letter to ICE’s legal office this recently, explaining his case and inquiring whether his legal standing could be rectified through proper legal channels.

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,” read the document by Raghu. “Increasing legal costs and my inability to provide have made family life very hard and difficult to handle.”

Federal authorities, which manages immigration enforcement, did not immediately provide a response regarding this situation.