The Trump Administration Is Hiding How Many Pregnant People Are in ICE Detention
In a disturbing revelation, it has been discovered that the Trump administration is concealing the number of pregnant individuals being held in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities. This practice raises serious concerns about the treatment and well-being of these vulnerable populations.
According to a recent investigation by The Intercept, at least 30 pregnant women have been detained at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington, since January 2020. However, officials with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refused to provide any information on the total number of pregnant individuals being held in ICE custody.
"It's a clear attempt to hide the truth from the public and from Congress," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), who has been advocating for the release of detained pregnant women. "We know that pregnancy is not an immigration offense, but yet these women are being treated as if they're somehow less worthy of dignity and respect."
Pregnant individuals generally should not be held in ICE detention, according to official guidance issued by DHS in 2021. The policy directs ICE to avoid detaining pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding women, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
However, at the Northwest ICE Processing Center, pregnant detainees like Daniela have reported being denied access to medical care and basic necessities. "I was having abdominal pain, and I caught Covid in early September," Daniela wrote in a message to The Intercept. "For roughly two months, I never received a prenatal visit with an OB-GYN."
Amanda Heffernan, a nurse midwife and professor at Seattle University, reviewed Daniela's medical records at her request. "It's unacceptable that pregnant women are being denied basic medical care in these facilities," Heffernan said.
The Trump administration's handling of this issue has sparked outrage among advocates for immigrant rights and reproductive justice. "This is a clear example of the administration's disregard for human life and dignity," said Rep. Jayapal. "We demand that they release all detained pregnant women immediately."
As of now, it remains unclear how many pregnant individuals are being held in ICE detention nationwide. However, advocates vow to continue pushing for transparency and accountability.
Background:
In 2021, DHS issued a policy directive stating that ICE should avoid detaining pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding women unless there are exceptional circumstances. This policy is based on the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), which aim to ensure that migrants are treated with dignity and respect while in custody.
Additional Perspectives:
"This is not just a matter of immigration policy; it's also a human rights issue," said Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and public health expert. "Pregnant women should be treated with compassion and care, not subjected to inhumane conditions."
Current Status and Next Developments:
The Trump administration has refused to provide any information on the total number of pregnant individuals being held in ICE custody. However, advocates vow to continue pushing for transparency and accountability.
In a statement, DHS officials said that they "cannot comment on individual cases" but emphasized that ICE follows all applicable laws and policies when detaining migrants.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the Trump administration's handling of this issue has sparked widespread outrage and demands for change.
*Reporting by Theintercept.*
