Kenyan arrested by US immigration authorities for overstaying visa
Stanley Robert Kungu Muthee, a Kenyan national, was arrested by US immigration authorities for overstaying his visa while employed by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The agency stated he provided valid-looking work authorization documents upon hiring.
Why it matters
The incident raises concerns regarding government hiring practices and the verification of immigration status for employees in sensitive public welfare roles.
ICE confirmed that its Seattle office arrested Stanley Robert Kungu Muthee during a traffic stop on Monday.
According to information provided to Fox News, Muthee entered the United States on February 6, 2019, on a B-2 tourist visa but did not leave when required.
At the time of his arrest, Muthee was reportedly wearing a jacket belonging to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families and had an employee identification card.
The department confirmed that Muthee had worked for the agency since August 16, 2024.
In a statement, the department’s Director of Communications, Nancy Gutierrez, said Muthee had presented documentation indicating he was authorised to work in the United States when he was hired.
The documents included a valid United States Citizenship and Immigration Services number with no expiration date, she said, adding that the department had not been notified of any change in his immigration status.
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