Democratic Women's Caucus demands probe of treatment of women in ICE detention
The Democratic Women’s Caucus is demanding an investigation into the treatment of women in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, accusing the Trump administration of “medical neglect” in cases that include the loss of one woman’s unborn child.
The Trump administration recently rescinded Biden-era guidance on treatment of migrants in detention, including those detailing guidelines for pregnant women.
“We are deeply concerned about women’s access to health care, especially maternal health care, in ICE detention," the caucus wrote in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Joseph Cuffari, inspector general for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
"The reported assaults, medical neglect, and overall mistreatment of women by ICE agents and contractors demands immediate and thorough oversight and accountability, and this abuse must stop immediately," the caucus continued. "We request an immediate and in-depth investigation into the violations against women while in ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody."
The DHS and Cuffari’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The letter cites the case of Iris Dayana Monterroso-Lemus, who delivered a stillborn baby after being detained in immigration custody in Tennessee.
According to an account she gave to the Nashville Banner, she pleaded for medical care for three days after feeling pain and no fetal movement.
“After multiple transfers and too many pleas, she was finally admitted to a hospital on April 29th, where she delivered a stillborn baby. The doctors noted that her loss was a result of not receiving prenatal care — the care she asked for repeatedly,” the caucus wrote.
“We demand a full, transparent investigation into the pregnancy loss of Iris Dayana Monterroso Lemus's and the broader mistreatment of pregnant and postpartum women in ICE and CBP custody," the lawmakers continued. "We request a report that outlines the incident, accountability, and corrective actions.”
The letter also asks what steps the administration has taken to protect women in custody.
Under the Biden administration, immigration enforcement officers were encouraged not to put pregnant or nursing women in custody absent extraordinary circumstances.
It also required that pregnant women be held in “facilities suitable for their medical and mental health needs.”
Similar guidelines were also put into place by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
In May, the Trump administration rescinded the CBP guidance, ending requirements for lactation accommodations and supplies like diapers and baby formula.
“Your disregard for women’s health and safety is not just a one time instance, the abuse and neglect are part of a larger, systemic failure to treat women with dignity, compassion, and basic medical care,” the lawmakers wrote.