An Arkansas Resident Attempts to Regain Visa Status After Arrest Over ‘Opium’ Perfume Bottle

An Arkansas resident, detained for 30 days by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after officers misidentified his perfume bottle labeled “Opium” for real opium, is now attempting to have his immigration standing reinstated after charges were dropped.

Traffic Stop Results in Surprising Arrest

The individual, an citizen of India wed to an US citizen and working towards American citizenship, was detained on May 3rd after police officers in Benton, a city in Arkansas, pulled him over for a minor traffic infraction, according to his legal representative.

During the traffic stop, officers found a tiny fragrance container in his car labeled “Opium” and took into custody the man for alleged drug possession, despite his explanation that the container contained perfume and the name “opium” referred to the scent.

“There was a container of opium in your 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 Raghu, who mentioned he was delivering food when pulled over.

His wife, the man’s partner, reached the location and said, “I don’t understand why he is being arrested.”

Lab Results Confirm Fragrance, But Not Opium

The Arkansas State Crime Lab concluded that the material in the container was fragrance, not opium, yet Raghu spent three days in the local detention facility, where officials identified an “administrative/legal error” indicating his immigration status had expired.

ICE officers then took Raghu into custody and transferred him to a federal immigration facility in Louisiana, where he was detained for 30 days.

“She used to call me every night,” Raghu explained to reporters, speaking beside his spouse. “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.”

Accusations Dismissed, but Visa Standing Remains Uncertain

Although charges against Raghu were dismissed by a judicial authority on 20 May, the immigration detention created a setback in his path to becoming a permanent citizen.

In a fundraising effort to cover attorney costs and basic expenses, it was stated that his employment authorization was canceled.

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

Legal Appeal Sent to Resolve Visa Issues

Raghu submitted a formal request to immigration authorities this week, explaining his situation and asking whether his legal standing could be rectified through official procedures.

His correspondence 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 wife, who has always been my greatest support, is carrying the entire financial burden alone, as I am currently unable to work,” read the letter by him. “Increasing legal costs and my inability to provide have made family life very hard and difficult to handle.”

The Department of Homeland Security, which manages immigration enforcement, did not immediately provide a comment regarding this situation.