Kenyan Truck Driver Held in Texas as Immigration Case Proceeds

A Kenyan national, Cyrus Thairu, remains in United States immigration custody after being detained by federal officers in Texas on 26 March.

Thairu, a truck driver, had travelled from Illinois to Texas and was heading to New York when he was stopped near the Mexico border by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He had entered the United States on a B2 visitor visa, which has since expired, placing him among individuals who have overstayed their authorised period of stay. 

He has filed an asylum claim in Illinois, but remains in detention as his case continues. His family says the situation has caused significant strain. His sister, Joyce Mumbi Thairu, speaking from Seattle, said they are working to raise $15,000 to secure his release on bond ahead of his next hearing scheduled for 4 May. 

The amount would cover legal fees, bond-related costs, and other expenses. She said another sister has travelled to Texas to work directly with his lawyer, Irene Mugambi.

The case has been delayed due to procedural issues. During a hearing on 20 April, a missing number on Thairu’s asylum documents led the judge to postpone proceedings, extending his time in custody. His family is now seeking an earlier bond hearing so he can continue his case outside detention.

Legal analysts say the Kenyan embassy may assist with access to legal representation, but the responsibility for the case rests mainly with the lawyer and the family. Immigration lawyer Blaise Odhiambo noted that coordination between the legal team and the embassy can be helpful, although the embassy’s role is limited.

Thairu’s detention comes amid strict immigration enforcement measures in Texas. Governor Greg Abbott has supported policies that expand state-level border security operations. Since 2021, these efforts have resulted in large numbers of apprehensions and arrests, with truck drivers among those frequently stopped.

Data from research organisations, including the Pew Research Center and the Migration Policy Institute, indicate that millions of unauthorised immigrants live in the United States, including an estimated 170,000 Kenyans. Between 2022 and 2024, more than 300 Kenyans were detained and over 100 deported.

For Thairu’s family, the case has both legal and financial implications. They have appealed to members of the Kenyan diaspora for support, saying contributions would help meet the costs required to secure his release.