Woman Taken into ICE Custody at Fort Lauderdale Airport After Visa Overstay and Alleged Use of Fake ID

A woman was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport after authorities discovered she had overstayed her visa and was allegedly in possession of fraudulent identification, officials confirmed.

The incident unfolded when airport personnel flagged the woman during an identification check prior to a domestic flight. According to law enforcement, the woman presented an ID that did not match state or federal records. Officers quickly determined that the identification was not issued by the State of Florida and did not exist in official databases.

During questioning, the woman insisted the ID belonged to her and repeatedly stated that she was unaware it was fake. She claimed she had obtained the identification through a business she believed functioned similarly to the Department of Motor Vehicles, explaining that she had provided her passport information and paid a fee to receive it. Officers informed her that possessing or presenting a fraudulent ID at an international airport is a serious offense, regardless of intent.

Further investigation revealed inconsistencies in her name and identity records. Authorities said her name could not be verified in state systems, and she admitted to using multiple names over the years due to family circumstances. She also acknowledged that her passport had been lost or stolen, though she claimed to have digital copies on her phone.

When questioned about her citizenship status, the woman confirmed that she is not a U.S. citizen and is originally from the Bahamas. She stated that she entered the United States legally on a visa approximately 14 years ago but could not provide documentation showing lawful status or an active visa. Officers determined that she had overstayed her authorized period of stay, placing her in violation of federal immigration law.

Customs and Border Protection officials were contacted to assist, and ICE agents were ultimately notified. During the interaction, the woman appeared confused and emotional, repeatedly stating that she believed she had followed the law and did not understand how the identification she possessed could be considered fake. She also explained that she used an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for banking and business purposes, believing it allowed her to function legally in the United States.

The woman’s husband later arrived at the airport and told officers that she had been traveling as a companion to a flight attendant on a short trip to New Jersey. Despite his statements, authorities said the identification issues and immigration violations required further action.

After being advised of her rights, the woman agreed to speak with investigators. ICE officials determined there was sufficient cause to place her into immigration custody pending further proceedings. Authorities emphasized that overstaying a visa, combined with the possession or use of fraudulent identification, can lead to detention and possible removal from the United States.

No additional criminal charges were announced at the time, though the investigation remains ongoing. ICE officials stated that the case highlights the importance of using only government-issued identification and maintaining valid immigration status, especially when traveling through airports.

The woman was transferred into ICE custody for processing, and her future immigration status will be determined through federal proceedings.