Subramanyam “Subu” Vedam will remain in federal custody following a ruling yesterday by immigration Judge Tamar Wilson. Judge Wilson ruled she lacked the jurisdiction to grant bond due to Vedam’s 1984 drug convictions for selling LSD. These felonies trigger mandatory detention under federal law. Despite his record as a “model inmate” over 40 years in state prison, the judge concluded Vedam could not prove he is not a danger to the public, citing the “aggravated felony” on his record. Vedam was released from state prison in October after his 1983 murder conviction was overturned, but he was immediately taken into ICE custody based on a 1999 deportation order. Vedem’s legal team plans to appeal the decision to the U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals.
Wednesday 18th February 2026
