In distress, family and friends of the Maryland woman refused to allow details of her detention to escape the public consciousness.

NPR: Daughter of Released Iranian Scholar Speaks Out

His arrest followed a dramatic escape from court in which he fled in a speeding vehicle to avoid detention.

NPR: More Legal Trouble For Pakistan's Musharraf

Even if those immigrants are eventually given asylum, they may have waited in detention for months or years, separated from their families just for attempting to escape strife in their country of origin.

CNN: Commentary: Health reform back on track