Subramanyam “Subu” Vedam, a 64-year-old man, is facing a new challenge after spending 43 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. After being cleared of a 1980 murder charge, he was immediately detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
ICE is threatening to deport Vedam to India, a place he hasn’t lived since he was a baby. He grew up in Pennsylvania.
Vedam was found innocent of the murder of his childhood friend, Thomas Kinser. Kinser was last seen with Vedam before he was killed in 1980.
Upon his release from prison on October 3rd, Vedam was taken into ICE custody. ICE claims Vedam is a “career criminal” and will remain in custody while they arrange his deportation.
Vedam’s family is fighting to bring him home. His niece, Zoë Miller-Vedam, told USA Today that the family wants him to be with them so he can move forward with his life. She also noted that he will likely need their support as he adjusts to a world that has changed a lot since he was imprisoned.
Vedam’s sister, Saraswathi Vedam, expressed her disappointment to the BBC that they didn’t even get a moment to embrace him upon his release.
Vedam’s family had hoped to appeal a 1988 deportation order after his release, but now they’re in another fight for his freedom.
