Survivors of trafficking and domestic violence are suing ICE — because the very system meant to protect them is now detaining and deporting them.

These are people who applied for U and T visas. U and T visas protect victims of serious crimes and human trafficking in the U.S. who help law enforcement or would face harm if returned home. But under new rules, ICE can still arrest and deport them while their cases are pending. Some have even had to leave the U.S. voluntarily out of fear of being torn from their families.

It’s honestly hard to wrap our head around — how can a law designed for protection end up retraumatizing the people it was made for?

Are we really helping survivors, or just punishing them for seeking safety?