Kenyan Father Kevin Ntabo Arrested and Facing Deportation In US

A Kenyan father of four living in the United States is facing a possible deportation after being detained by immigration authorities following an overseas trip. The case has drawn concern among members of the Kenyan diaspora community in Washington State who fear the impact the decision could have on his family.

Kevin Ntabo, a Kenyan national residing in Edmond, Washington, was arrested by U.S. immigration authorities in December 2025 at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. This happened after he returned from Kenya.

According to reports, Ntabo had traveled to Kenya to attend the burial of his father. However, upon his arrival back in the United States, immigration officials allegedly flagged his immigration status as irregular. This was noted during routine entry checks.

He was subsequently taken into custody by immigration authorities and transferred to the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington. He has remained in detention there since December.

Ntabo’s detention has left his family in a difficult situation. His wife and four children—Teriah, Benjamin, Luiz, and Jasiel—are reportedly struggling both emotionally and financially. They continue to wait for the outcome of his immigration case.

Friends and members of the local Kenyan community say the family has been under immense stress. They are trying to navigate the uncertainty surrounding Ntabo’s future in the United States.

For many immigrant families, detention cases can quickly lead to financial hardship, particularly when the detained individual is a primary provider.

A critical immigration hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 1:30 PM. An immigration judge will determine whether Ntabo will be deported to Kenya or allowed to remain in the United States with his family.

The decision could have life-changing consequences not only for Ntabo but also for his wife and children. They remain in Washington State.

Immigration attorneys note that such hearings often consider several factors, including immigration status history, family ties in the United States, and humanitarian considerations.

The case has sparked concern within the Kenyan diaspora community in the United States. This is especially true in Washington State where many Kenyan families live and work.

Community members are closely monitoring the upcoming hearing, hoping that Ntabo will be granted relief that would allow him to remain with his family.

Immigration detention cases involving parents often attract community attention. This is due to the impact they have on U.S.-born or dependent children.

Immigration experts say cases like Ntabo’s are not uncommon. Travelers returning to the United States from abroad can face additional scrutiny at airports. This happens especially if immigration records show discrepancies or irregularities in status.

Airports such as Seattle–Tacoma International Airport serve as major points of entry. At these locations, immigration officers conduct detailed reviews of returning travelers.

For immigrants with unresolved or complex immigration cases, international travel can sometimes trigger detention. Enforcement actions can also occur upon re-entry.

As the March 17 hearing approaches, Ntabo’s family and supporters are waiting anxiously for the judge’s decision.

For his children—Teriah, Benjamin, Luiz, and Jasiel—the outcome could determine whether their father remains with them in the United States or is forced to return to Kenya.

The case highlights the emotional toll immigration detention can have on families and immigrant communities across the country.