A Norwegian woman living in San Diego was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during what her and her husband (a U.S. citizen) believed would be the final step in obtaining her green card.

Hanne Engan moved to the U.S. legally in 2022 on a student visa, completed her economics degree, and worked in the U.S. on a work visa. She married her American husband Joshua in October 2024 and began the process of adjusting her immigration status, a step attorneys confirmed was appropriate given her situation. She was considered a “visa overstay,” but received legal advice that this gray-area situation was typically forgiven.

On November 17, 2025, the couple attended their green card interview. At the conclusion of the meeting, three armed agents in bulletproof vests entered the room and arrested Hanne for a visa overstay. She was one of 21 people detained that same day during their green card appointments.

What followed was nine days at the Otay Mesa Detention Center. Engan, who has type 1 diabetes, had her insulin and continuous glucose monitor confiscated upon arrival. She was misclassified as a type 2 diabetic and denied meal-time insulin for days. By the fourth day, her blood sugar had climbed to 508 mg/dL. She lost 10 pounds, developed multiple infections, and was placed in medical isolation with no phone access. She was released on a $1,500 bond after a judge found she posed no flight risk, and her deportation case was later terminated.

Engan has since shared her story on Instagram, where her videos have garnered nearly 30 million views. She joins us on the podcast to share the full story, from the moment of her arrest through her release and what life has looked like since. Listen above or watch the video below.

Disclaimer: Diabetech content is not medical advice—it’s for educational purposes only. Always consult with a physician before making changes to your healthcare.