Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained a Wisconsin state trooper at a Madison airport

Published Nov 6, 2026, 6:57 p.m. ET

ICE detained Wisconsin state trooper Carel Aaron Van Der Merwe, 21, at Madison airport Thursday; reports differed on his release. News 8 Now said ICE’s locator showed him released, while CBS News reported he was set to be released. His attorney, Mark Christopher, said he had work authorization and a pending asylum application; DHS said he overstayed his admission.

More context

Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Wisconsin state trooper Carel Aaron Van Der Merwe, 21, at Dane County Regional Airport in Madison on Thursday as he waited to board a domestic flight. A later report said he was set to be released from custody. Van Der Merwe’s lawyer, Mark Christopher, said Van Der Merwe has work authorization and that his parents applied for asylum. The law firm Christopher & De León said he has a pending asylum application and has waited seven years for an interview. ABC News reported that the firm said he faced deportation to South Africa. The Department of Homeland Security said Van Der Merwe overstayed his admission and that work authorization does not confer legal status. Rep. Derrick Van Orden’s office said the congressman contacted the homeland security secretary and that Van Der Merwe would be released immediately.

Reporting

Verifier’s note

ABC News and WISN report that Wisconsin trooper Carel Aaron Van Der Merwe was detained by ICE and had a pending asylum case, citing his attorneys. News 8 Now and CBS News also report the same detention; their updates that he was released or expected to be released do not contradict the arrest.

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Evening Edition, Friday, Nov 6, 2026