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Ukrainian detainee denied psychiatric medications, loses 46 pounds during hunger strike in ICE custody

Apr 12, 2026 · Miami, FL, Ukraine

Ukrainian detainee denied psychiatric medications, loses 46 pounds during hunger strike in ICE custody

Andriy Shepitsen, a 46-year-old Ukrainian man, has been detained in ICE custody since December 2025 at Krome North Service Processing Center in Miami. Despite being prescribed medications for bipolar disorder, major depression, and ADHD, detention staff denied him these drugs for over four months. In February 2026, Shepitsen began a hunger strike to protest detention conditions, which lasted 60 days and resulted in a 46-pound weight loss, causing him to develop life-threatening hypotensive shock and requiring hospitalization. He reported suicidal thoughts multiple times during his detention. Advocacy groups including Amnesty International USA and the ACLU of Florida demanded emergency medical intervention and his release.

Timeline

Apr 2026Amnesty International USA and ACLU of Florida demanded emergency medical intervention and Shepitsen's release
Feb 2026Shepitsen began hunger strike to protest detention conditions; reported suicidal thoughts during custody
Feb 2026Hunger strike lasted 60 days, resulting in 46-pound weight loss and hospitalization with life-threatening hypotensive shock
Dec 2025Andriy Shepitsen detained in ICE custody at Krome North Service Processing Center in Miami
Dec 2025Detention staff denied Shepitsen prescribed psychiatric medications for bipolar disorder, major depression, and ADHD

Sources

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