MADISON, WISCONSIN — A 21-year-old Wisconsin State Patrol trooper has been released from federal immigration custody after ICE detained him at Dane County Regional Airport while he was preparing to board a domestic flight.
Carel Aaron Van Der Merwe, a South African national, was arrested Thursday during what the Department of Homeland Security called a “targeted enforcement operation.” His attorney says Van Der Merwe came to the United States legally as a teenager, is included in his father’s pending asylum application and has federal work authorization valid through 2030.
DHS says Van Der Merwe entered legally in March 2019 but overstayed his authorized admission in September of that year. The agency emphasized that work authorization and a pending asylum application do not themselves confer lawful immigration status.
Van Der Merwe’s attorneys said ICE agents detained him despite his explanation that he had a valid work permit and unresolved asylum case. He was later released under an order of supervision requiring regular check-ins and electronic monitoring while his removal proceedings continue.
The Wisconsin Law Enforcement Association publicly backed Van Der Merwe, calling for fair treatment and due process. He has worked for the State Patrol since July 2025 and has no known criminal record.
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