Cosplayer Clara Tan Says ICE Detained Her at Airport

Cosplayer Clara Tan says she was detained by ICE agents late at night at Rochester’s airport after returning home from a trip connected to the cancelled Umamusume: Pretty Derby event in California.

Tan says four agents shouted her name, refused to show her a warrant or ID at first, and tackled her when she tried to call for help. She says she was thrown into an unmarked SUV and taken to Batavia Detention Center.

While detained, Tan says she was denied access to a lawyer, a phone call, and medical care for an ankle injury she says happened during the arrest. She also says staff ignored her requests for separate housing as a trans woman.

Tan says she was later shown the warrant, which she claims was not signed by a judge and included inaccurate details about her entry into the U.S. After about 18 hours, she was released with an ankle monitor and later sought treatment for a possible foot fracture.