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By Nick Mordowanec
Staff Writer
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A man who immigrated from England to the United States more than three decades ago has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Colorado over historical marijuana possession charges, while renewing his paperwork.
Dale Heath's wife, Kelli Heath, told Newsweek on Wednesday: "He's an all-American dad. It's just so heartbreaking to know that I can't help him in there, and there's nothing that I can do to make things better in there. We tried for bond and bond was denied again because it was a drug-related charge. They don't care that it was 24 years ago."
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spokesperson told Newsweek on Tuesday: "A green card is a privilege, not a right, and under our nation's laws, our government has the authority to revoke a green card if our laws are broken and abused. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) presenting at a U.S. port of entry with criminal convictions may be found inadmissible, placed in removal proceedings, and subject to mandatory detention."
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Why It Matters
President Donald Trump has continually vowed to remove violent offenders from American soil; however, some cases involving nonviolent immigrants lacking criminal records have resulted in broader questions of whether such individuals should be detained and/or deported.
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley's Deportation Data Project, which compiles federal data, found that roughly 37 percent of ICE arrests in July 2025 were of people with no U.S. criminal convictions or pending charges, doubling to about 92,000 during the first six months of the Trump administration compared with the final half‑year of the Joe Biden administration.
That 37 percent figure is up from 13 percent during Biden's last full month in office in December.
What To Know
On August 4, Dale Heath left his home in Castle Rock, Colorado, to tend to his immigration paperwork at Denver International Airport.
CBP told Newsweek that the United Kingdom passport holder and U.S. lawful permanent resident had previously been found inadmissible under the Immigration and Nationality Act due to a controlled substance violation.
"During his interaction with CBP, Heath attempted to flee after being served a Notice to Appear (NTA) for immigration court," they added. "CBP officers swiftly apprehended Heath, who was subsequently transferred to ICE custody. CBP remains committed to enforcing immigration laws in strict accordance with federal statutes and policies. Heath's case is now under the jurisdiction of the immigration court system, where he remains in custody pending further proceedings."
Dale Heath called his wife later that day, according to local news station 9News.
"It was a very like, 'Hey, I'll be right back. I'm going to run and renew my paperwork,'" Kelli Heath told the outlet of his visit to the airport. "He honestly didn't even give us a hug or kiss goodbye because it was such a routine activity to go take care of...It was like he was going to the grocery store."
Dale Heath came to the U.S. from England in 1991, at age 8 and with a permanent visa, she told CBS News Colorado. He has lived in Colorado for about a decade and, along with his wife, runs Castle Rock Carpet Care, which the couple temporarily closed following his detention. He also volunteered as a coach with Rapids Youth Soccer and served in his children's school community.
His detention stems from two arrests in 2001 for marijuana possession of less than 2 ounces, both occurring in Texas, including once before he was 18 years old. Court records show he pleaded no contest in both cases and served probation and short confinement.
"We never knew that it was an issue, because he took care of it at that time," Kelli told 9News. "But come 20 years later, we find out that it was still an issue."
Dale Heath was initially questioned in May 2022 at Houston's Hobby Airport by CBP officers after returning from a trip. Initially placed in removal proceedings, he was told to renew his paperwork every year to extend his parole and remain in the country.
Now, the husband and father of two children has remained in detention for about three weeks.
"It is literally like visiting somebody in prison," Kelli Heath told CBS Colorado. "It's through a glass window. You pick up the phone and can talk to them through the phone. So it's not like I can hug him or kiss him."
"Emotionally, he's a wreck," she said. "Physically, he's a wreck. He lost 12 pounds in the first four days he was there. He's in an area where there's...I'll say real criminals in there—domestic violence, or somebody who is affiliated with a murder. It's just crazy things like that."
Kelli Heath set up a crowdfunding campaign on the website Free Funder. The campaign, created on August 11, has already surpassed the $10,000 funding goal ($10,751 as of Tuesday morning) and received donations from 109 individuals, including one for $1,500.
"This heartbreaking situation has left his wife and children without his support, both emotionally and financially," the campaign page reads. "In the midst of this sudden separation, they are now navigating overwhelming legal expenses, household bills, and daily living costs, all while holding onto hope for his safe return home.
"The family has always been the first to help others in need, and now, they need our help more than ever."
What People Are Saying
In a statement to 9News, ICE said it "continues to issue temporary status documentation such as I-551 stamps on a case-by-case basis," but would not comment specifically on Dale Heath's case.
Kelli Heath, in an August 11 Facebook post: "This has been devastating for us emotionally and financially. Our family business is temporarily closed, and many have asked how they can help. Right now, financial support would make the biggest difference. Even $10 helps.
"We're also setting up a meal train to help with dinners. Thank you to everyone who has checked in on us—your love and kindness mean the world. If I miss responding, please know I see and appreciate you."
What Happens Next
Dale Heath's last chance to remain in the U.S. could be decided September 3 when he has a hearing in front of a federal immigration judge.
Updated 8/28/25, 12:45 a.m. ET: This story was updated with remarks from Kelli Heath.
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