UPDATE: Lawmakers from the Democratic Women’s Caucus are urgently demanding the immediate release of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing immigrants detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under “appalling conditions.” In a letter sent today to ICE acting Director Todd Lyons, the group highlighted alarming reports about the treatment of these vulnerable women, who face serious health risks while in custody.
The lawmakers expressed deep concern over allegations that detained pregnant women are not receiving adequate prenatal care, nutrition, or appropriate living conditions. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has documented over a dozen cases of such mistreatment, with details emerging just last week. “Despite our urgent appeal to the administration in July regarding the safety of pregnant women in ICE custody, we have continued to receive numerous reports of unacceptable treatment,” the letter stated, signed by 61 lawmakers.
The caucus called for adherence to a Biden-era policy that prohibits ICE from detaining these women unless they pose a significant security risk—an exception that they argue does not apply in most cases. This policy, established to protect the health of mothers and their unborn children, has not been formally rescinded by the previous administration, raising serious questions about the current treatment of detainees.
As of now, it remains unclear exactly how many pregnant, postpartum, or nursing immigrants are in custody. Earlier this year, a Republican-controlled Congress allowed a critical reporting requirement to lapse, which previously mandated the administration to disclose these numbers biannually. The lack of transparency has left advocates and lawmakers demanding urgent action.
Representative Robin Kelly of Illinois, the lead author of the letter, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “Are they able to see any medical person? What about cleanliness, being able to go to the bathroom or even getting proper sleep at night? I’ve had two children myself, and I know how important all of this is.”
Lawmakers are not only calling for the release of these detainees but are also demanding a comprehensive review of ICE’s processes and training regarding the treatment of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing individuals. They have asked for detailed data on the number of pregnant women detained, births, miscarriages, and any obstetric emergencies that may have occurred in custody. The lawmakers expect a substantial response from ICE within the next 45 days.
Public health professionals continue to raise alarms about the potential risks involved in detaining pregnant women. Reports indicate that inadequate access to medical appointments, poor nutritional standards, and the psychological stress of detention can significantly increase the likelihood of complications during pregnancy.
The urgency surrounding this issue is palpable, as advocates work tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of detained immigrants. As new developments unfold, this situation remains a critical focal point for lawmakers and human rights advocates alike. The implications of these conditions not only affect the individuals involved but also raise broader questions about the treatment of vulnerable populations in the immigration system.
Stay tuned as this story develops and lawmakers push for immediate action to protect the rights and health of immigrants in custody.
