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Detained woman denied diabetes medication at New Jersey detention center, Rep. Mejia calls it a 'slow death sentence'

Aug 12, 2026 · Elizabeth, NJ

Detained woman denied diabetes medication at New Jersey detention center, Rep. Mejia calls it a 'slow death sentence'

Margarita, a woman from New Jersey, was detained at the Elizabeth Detention Center for two months following what was described as a violent arrest. During her detention, she received only about a quarter of her prescribed diabetes medication, and her doctor and pharmacy were not contacted despite her family's concerns. Rep. Analilia Mejia (D-NJ) visited her and raised concerns about her treatment, with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries also expressing concern. Mejia characterized the conditions as a "slow death sentence."

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