AUSTIN (KXAN) Seyre ‘Mussa’ Traore, an Austin dog handler, was detained by U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) last week, during a routine check-in, according to his attorney.

Friends of Traore, describe him as a dedicated employee at Neighbors Dog Park & Coffee Shop and East Lamar Dog Training and Boarding, adding that he is the hardest working employee.

“It really shook me to even to learn that this was happening,” Lamar Bowman, a Neighbors Dog Park & Coffee Shop employee said.

Traore, 30, is from Mauritania in West Africa. His attorney Janis Leacock said he was detained on Sept. 11. Leacock told affiliate KXAN he has no criminal history and had a work permit as he awaited date in court next year.

“Things are really bad right now,” Leacock said. “He was just doing what he’s supposed to do…you truly don’t know everyone’s story.”

According to Leacock, Traore entered the country illegally, but had legal documentation to stay in the country, as an asylum seeker. His court date for that case was set for next April, Leacock said.

KXAN checked Travis County, as well as the Texas Department of Public Safety records, and did not find any criminal history for Traore.

According to ICE’s online database, Traore is being held in the Karnes County Immigration Processing Center.

With immigration rules changing under the Trump Administration, Leacock said Traore could be deported before his asylum case goes before a judge next year.

“What they’re [the federal government is] saying is, ‘Hey, anybody that’s here for less than two years…we can do an expedited removal of that person despite them having an upcoming court date, despite them going through the proper channels.”

Traore’s supporters have started a campaign, pushing for answers.

KXAN has reached out to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security and is waiting to hear back. We will update this if any statements are received.