They fled Russia for the United States a few years ago, seeking political asylum, and relocated to suburban Batavia.
But now, the couple is apart, and their future is uncertain.
Kseniia Volkova and her husband, Andrei Mikhailov, are Russian immigrants. Volkova said Mikhailov is an outspoken critic of the Russian government. When the war with Ukraine started, she said it became too dangerous for him to stay.
The couple entered the U.S. and requested asylum in 2024. They settled in Batavia. They told NBC Chicago they were on vacation in Florida in February when they were taken into custody by Border Patrol.
Volkova was eventually released, but her husband was not. Volkova said she was fitted with an ankle monitor and allowed to return home.
She told NBC Chicago her asylum hearing is set for November 2027. She said Mikhailov is waiting for a new hearing date to be scheduled.
She said her husband is being held at Folkston ICE Processing Center in Georgia and, on Monday, was on the seventh day of a hunger strike.
“Every day he calls me to say how do you feel? Be safe. Eat more. Drink more,” Volkova said. “Yesterday, I got his letter. He put little flowers in with some hearts. My big worry is about his health and his life. My husband did not break any laws. He made everything right. Mentally and physically, he’s not doing good.”
Last year, the Department of Homeland Security suspended decisions on applications for refugee status.
A spokesman told us in a statement: “Andrei will remain in ICE custody pending the outcome of his removal proceedings and will receive due process.”
It goes on to say a pending asylum application does NOT confer legal status in the United States.
“Being in detention is a choice. We encourage all illegal aliens to take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $3,000 and a free flight to self-deport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return. A spokesman also told us in a statement that all detainees are provided with proper meals, quality water, blankets, medical treatment, and have opportunities to communicate with their family members and lawyers. ICE has higher detention standards than most U.S. prisons that hold actual U.S. citizens. ICE is regularly audited and inspected by external agencies to ensure that all ICE facilities comply with performance-based national detention standards. ICE is committed to ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of all individuals in its custody. The men and women of ICE are entrusted with upholding the rule of law and are held to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct.”
A spokesman for U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, who represents the area, in a statement, wrote:
“Our office is doing everything we can to be of assistance. We are hopeful this case will receive immediate attention, and Andrei will be released from detention or at the very least moved to a detention center closer to family.”
Volkova said she has spent $40,000 in legal fees. She remains hopeful her husband will be freed and back home – so they can start a family.
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