CINCINNATI, Ohio (Diya TV) — A Cincinnati-based immigration attorney has found herself at the center of a viral controversy after claiming that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) gave her a phone number that turned out to be for a Taco Bell restaurant.
Trisha Chatterjee, an immigration lawyer of Indian origin, posted a video on TikTok last week, saying she had spent days trying to reach ICE about her clients held at Butler County Jail. When she finally reached someone, she said they promised to connect her with someone who could help. Instead, she claimed they gave her the number to a Taco Bell.
“I was genuinely excited when someone finally picked up and said they’d help,” Chatterjee said in the video. “But then I called the number, and it was Taco Bell.”
The video quickly spread online, gaining attention from immigration advocates, lawyers, and social media users. Some praised Chatterjee for speaking out, while others questioned her claims and motives.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE strongly denied the allegation. In a statement posted on X, DHS said, “This is nothing but lying for likes. Once again, activists and the media are attempting to smear our brave ICE law enforcement, who are already facing an 830% increase in assaults against them.”
ICE also said it never gave Chatterjee a phone number to a Taco Bell. Officials added that they reached out to Chatterjee after the video surfaced to get information about her clients. According to the agency, she was offered multiple ways to contact ICE directly, but did not respond.
The TikTok video sparked strong reactions online. Some users supported Chatterjee and shared their frustrations with navigating the immigration system. Others accused her of dishonesty.
One user wrote, “Deport her,” while another suggested someone should file a bar complaint. “She should be disbarred for dishonesty and violating professional conduct rules,” the commenter added.
Another user questioned the authenticity of her story, saying, “If this issue is as difficult as she claims, you’d expect her to record these calls. There’s a difference between evidence and propaganda.”
A different comment read, “This might be a way for her to charge her clients extra for all the ‘time’ she supposedly spent trying to get in touch… It’s all lies.”
One user mocked Chatterjee’s appearance, posting, “Yeah, usually good lawyers with yellow nails go right to TikTok to advocate for their clients.”
Chatterjee’s video highlights a long-standing frustration among immigration attorneys: reaching ICE officers is often difficult and time-consuming. Many lawyers have reported delays and dead ends when trying to contact the agency, especially in urgent cases involving detained clients.
While ICE insists it provided Chatterjee with legitimate avenues for contact, the video has sparked renewed discussion about the agency’s accessibility and accountability.
Chatterjee, who works closely with immigrant detainees and their families, has not yet released any follow-up statements or provided evidence to support her claim. DHS and ICE continue to stand by their statement denying the incident.
The controversy comes amid a larger debate about how immigration lawyers use social media to advocate for clients and highlight systemic issues. While some see platforms like TikTok as tools for public awareness, others argue that lawyers should focus on formal legal channels.
As the story unfolds, both supporters and critics of Chatterjee are calling for transparency and facts. The incident raises questions not only about her specific claim but also about how immigration-related concerns are addressed—and sometimes mishandled—by government agencies.For now, Chatterjee’s video remains online, fueling ongoing discussion about immigration enforcement, public trust, and the role of digital advocacy in modern legal practice.
