A Wisconsin state trooper from South Africa was released Friday evening after being arrested Thursday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at an airport while trying to visit his parents.
Carel Aaron Van Der Merwe entered the country in 2019 at age 14 and attended high school in New Mexico, according to his attorney.
According to lawyer Mark Christopher, Van Der Merwe’s parents applied for asylum and he was granted work authorization because the process can take years. Van Der Merwe attended New Mexico Military Institute and wanted to serve in the U.S. Army, but was not allowed due to his immigration status.
Van Der Merwe began working as a Wisconsin state trooper in July 2025. He is authorized to work in the country, according to Christopher.
The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that Van Der Merwe had legal permission to remain in the country until September 2019, but “in defiance of the laws of our country… he extended the duration of his admission.”
WKBT in La Crosse, Wisconsin, said Friday afternoon that Van Der Merwe had a conversation with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and would be released.
“This is one of the most egregious and ridiculous cases I have ever encountered,” Christopher said. “I see no public utility or benefit in holding him.”
Christopher says Van Der Merwe’s release came with conditions: he is under a “supervision order” the details of which are to be worked out in the next two weeks.
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