A Gambian immigrant was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Wednesday after reporting for a scheduled appointment, according to his attorney and family members.
Babucarr Touray had attended similar immigration appointments many times before, relatives said. This time, officers detained him. His attorney later notified the family of the arrest. The detention has left Touray and his relatives uncertain as they work with counsel to seek his release.
Family members said Touray’s financial obligations have not paused. Rent and other essential expenses continue to come due while he remains in custody. Supporters are trying to raise $12,000 to cover an immigration bond, if granted, along with ongoing living costs and related obligations during detention.
The Pacific Northwest Seattle Gambian Association is coordinating the effort. Organizers said all contributions will go to a designated family member who will manage the money for Touray’s needs. They have asked friends, community members, and others to contribute or to share information about the fundraiser: https://gofund.me/c257eb281
In a statement supporters circulated, the family described the situation as unexpected and difficult. They said they will provide further updates as information becomes available, while seeking to protect Touray’s privacy and the details of his ongoing immigration case.
The case adds to a pattern in which people who appear for required check-ins are sometimes detained rather than released to continue their proceedings outside custody. Advocates for immigrants have long argued that such arrests disrupt households that have established work, housing, and community ties. Enforcement officials, for their part, maintain that attending an appointment does not guarantee release when an individual is detained under immigration law.
His supporters said ICE did not publicly share the specific grounds for Touray’s detention. As of Thursday, the family had not confirmed the bond amount, where he is being held, or the next steps in his case.
Community members associated with the Pacific Northwest Seattle Gambian Association said they hope pooled donations will reduce the immediate financial strain. They noted that even modest contributions, or simply circulating the appeal, could help cover costs while legal efforts continue.
