Prabesh Thapa Chettri, a former University of Louisiana Monroe student from Nepal, told local outlet KNOE that detainees held in the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center were "pepper sprayed."

His wife, AbiGayle Grace Russell, who is a U.S. citizen, told Newsweek in a phone call on Friday that "he's always scared about what's going on in there."

Russell added: "As far as the pepper spray incident, he told me that one of the guys got it so badly, he fainted and was foaming at the mouth."

Newsweek has confirmed in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainee database that Thapa Chettri is being held in its processing center in Jena, Louisiana.

Newsweek contacted ICE and GEO Group, which operates the facility, for comment via email on Friday.

Why It Matters

President Donald Trump has pledged to launch the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history and has overseen an immigration crackdown since returning to office.

Immigrants residing in the country illegally and legally, with valid documentation such as green cards and visas, have been detained. Newsweek has reported dozens of cases involving green-card holders and applicants who were swept up in the immigration raids. Green cards applications can be lengthy and involve filing a petition, completing interviews and providing biometrics.

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and legal permanent resident, has drawn headlines over his detention at the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center. The facility has faced multiple reports of inhumane conditions, which the GEO Group has denied.