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Human Impact Project

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Postpartum woman detained by ICE 36 hours after C-section, federal judge orders release

Oct 20, 2025 · Cicero, IL, Mexico

Postpartum woman detained by ICE 36 hours after C-section, federal judge orders release

Nayra Guzmán, a 22-year-old Mexican immigrant with pending asylum and visa applications, was detained by ICE in late October 2025 while traveling to a hospital to breastfeed her newborn daughter, who was in the NICU following birth complications. Guzmán had given birth via C-section approximately 15 days prior and was experiencing severe postpartum pain and a breast infection at the time of arrest. She was held at the Broadview ICE facility alongside her brother and mother, despite all three presenting valid work permits and documents showing they had been in the U.S. since 2022 after fleeing cartel violence in Mexico. During her approximately 34–36 hour detention, Guzmán was held in overcrowded conditions without adequate medical care, blankets, food, or water. A federal judge ordered the release of Guzmán and her family members, preventing their scheduled transfer to detention facilities in other states.

Timeline

Oct 21, 2025Federal judge ordered release of Guzmán and family members after 36-hour detention, preventing transfer to out-of-state detention facilities
Oct 20, 2025Nayra Guzmán detained by ICE while traveling to hospital to breastfeed newborn daughter in NICU; held at Broadview ICE facility with brother and mother despite presenting valid work permits and documents

Sources

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