A Desperate Call From Abroad
A Chicago man by name of Odarian D. Jordan has sent out an urgent plea for help after being detained by the Australian Border Force and private contractor Secure Journey while traveling for tourism.
According to his statement, his visa was abruptly canceled, his passport taken, and he has been held in a detention facility for nearly 72 hours without food or water. He describes his body as “becoming weak” and says he is both mentally and emotionally deteriorating.
“I fear for my life and I am mentally and emotionally damaged,” he wrote.
He claims officials instructed him to purchase a ticket departing Sydney for Manila, Philippines, on Monday, September 1 at 10:10 a.m.—but when he complied, they refused to take him to the airport.
The Bigger Picture: Immigration Detention in Australia
Australia has one of the strictest immigration enforcement systems in the world. Under the Migration Act, anyone whose visa is canceled can be detained, sometimes indefinitely, while appeals or deportations are processed. Advocacy groups have long criticized the system for its harsh conditions, limited access to legal aid, and reliance on private security firms.
In this case, the Chicago man’s detention raises troubling questions about due process, transparency, and access to basic human rights like food, water, and medical care.
Who Can Step In?
- U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Australia – The U.S. Embassy in Canberra or the Consulates in Sydney and Melbourne can provide direct assistance to detained U.S. citizens. Phone (Sydney Consulate): +61 2 9373 9200. Visit site.
- U.S. Citizens with Emergencies for the U.S. Consulate
Please call:(02) 8219-2100 If calling within the United States: (301) 985-8663
If calling about a U.S. citizen, please ensure you have their biographic information (full name, date and place of birth etc.), and if possible, their U.S. passport information.
For further information, please see https://au.usembassy.gov/services/ - U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs – 24/7 hotline: 1-888-407-4747 (from U.S.) or +1-202-501-4444 (from overseas).
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – Emergency line: 1-877-227-5511.
- Congressional Representatives – Contacting a U.S. Senator or House Representative’s office can often speed up government response when a constituent is in crisis overseas.
- Human Rights Groups – NGOs like Human Rights Watch and International Detention Coalition may help amplify awareness.
Fast Facts
- A Chicago man says he has been detained by Australian Border Force for nearly 72 hours.
- He reports being denied food, water, and transport to a flight he purchased to leave the country.
- He is pleading for urgent help from U.S. officials, citing fear for his life.
- Agencies that can help include the U.S. Embassy in Sydney, the State Department, and Congressional representatives.
