Toddler held by ICE 'nearly died' in detention and was denied medication, lawsuit claims
A lawsuit alleges that a toddler held by ICE nearly died from a life-threatening illness while in detention and was denied necessary medication.
A lawsuit has been filed claiming that a toddler detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) nearly died due to inadequate medical care while in custody. The child, referred to as Amalia, was detained with her parents during a deportation push by the Trump administration and showed symptoms of a severe illness shortly after her detention. Despite multiple visits to the facility's medical clinic, Amalia was allegedly given only basic fever medication and was denied the medication that could have saved her life.
As her condition deteriorated, Amalia developed a fever of 40C (104F) and faced additional symptoms including vomiting and difficulty breathing. Her parents sought medical attention multiple times, indicating a desperate situation where the child was struggling to get enough oxygen. The lawsuit details the negligence of the ICE facility staff, claiming they failed to provide adequate care and instead returned the child to custody after an emergency hospitalization, effectively putting her life at risk again.
This case raises significant concerns regarding the treatment of children in detention and the responsibilities of immigration authorities to provide proper healthcare. It highlights the broader implications of the immigration policies during the Trump era, which have faced criticism for their impact on vulnerable populations, particularly children. As this lawsuit progresses, it may further expose systemic failures within immigration detention facilities and prompt dialogue on reforming these practices.