US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Kenyan national Stanley Robert Kungu Muthee over an alleged visa overstay, according to a report by Fox News.
The arrest was carried out by ICE’s Seattle office during a traffic stop on Monday. Fox News reported that Muthee was employed by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and was wearing a departmental jacket when he was arrested.
According to the report, Muthee entered the United States on February 6, 2019, on a B-2 tourist visa and remained in the country beyond the authorised period.
Fox News also reported that Muthee acknowledged working for the state agency during the arrest and was carrying a DCYF identification card.
In a statement to Fox News, DCYF Director of Communications Nancy Gutierrez confirmed that Muthee had worked for the department since August 16, 2024.
“This individual has been employed with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families since Aug. 16, 2024,” Gutierrez said.
She added that Muthee had provided the required employment documentation when he was hired, including a valid US Citizenship and Immigration Services number that had no expiration date.
The department said it had not been notified of any change in his immigration status.
The case highlights the distinction between authorisation to work in the United States and permission to remain in the country. A work permit does not, by itself, grant lawful immigration status or prevent deportation.
