Man detained over a year in Arizona ICE facility says he can no longer walk
Aug 18, 2026 · Florence, AZ

Guillermo Gallardo Barrera, who lived in Arizona for more than 20 years with no criminal record, entered ICE detention able to walk but after more than a year at the Central Arizona ICE Detention Center can no longer stand without a cane. He reports severe pain, numbness in his hands, debilitating insomnia and an undiagnosed disability, saying ICE has only given him ibuprofen for treatment. He filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus and an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order in federal court, both of which were denied; an amended habeas petition was also denied in June 2026, allowing his detention to continue while broader legal challenges proceed. A new case against DHS Secretary Noem has since been filed on his behalf. "I'm terrified I won't make it out of here alive," he said. Advocates have launched a fundraiser to secure him an independent medical evaluation and legal support.
Timeline
Sources
More incidents in Arizona
- Medical examiner identifies skeletal remains found in Pima County desertAug 21, 2026 · Pima County, AZ
- Ecuadorian woman detained by ICE at Phoenix airport despite marriage to US citizenAug 19, 2026 · Phoenix, AZ
- Pregnant Venezuelan woman detained by Border Patrol in Tucson traffic stopAug 18, 2026 · Tucson, AZ
- Detained Arizona father says he can't walk, fears he won't survive ICE custodyAug 16, 2026 · Gilbert, AZ
- ICE arrests three men in traffic stop on Gila River tribal landAug 15, 2026 · Gila River Indian Community, AZ
- Guillermo Perez Ayala, 52, abandoned in Arizona desert during border crossing attemptAug 14, 2026 · Naco, AZ