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Double amputee barber released after 15 months in ICE detention, medical neglect alleged

May 11, 2026 · Lumpkin, GA, Liberia

Double amputee barber released after 15 months in ICE detention, medical neglect alleged

Rodney Taylor, a 47-year-old double amputee barber from Liberia who arrived in the U.S. as a child on a medical visa, was arrested by ICE on January 15, 2025, and held at Stewart Detention Center in South Georgia for 15 months based on a decades-old burglary conviction from his teenage years. Despite receiving a state pardon in 2010, holding a valid work permit, and having a pending green card application through his adult son, Taylor remained in ICE custody. During detention, he experienced severe medical neglect including denial of adequate food, proper prosthetics, exposure to contaminated water, and inadequate medical care for his disabilities, resulting in new health conditions such as bone spurs and neuropathy. Taylor was released in early May 2026 following sustained advocacy by U.S. Representative Lucy McBath, Senator Raphael Warnock, Representative Pramila Jayapal, additional members of Congress, his wife Mildred, community organizations, and legal representatives. His deportation case remains pending appeal.

Timeline

Jan 15, 2025Rodney Taylor arrested by ICE and taken to Stewart Detention Center in South Georgia
Jan 15, 2025Taylor held in ICE detention for 15 months; reports severe medical neglect including denial of adequate food, proper prosthetics, contaminated water, and inadequate disability care; develops new health conditions including bone spurs and neuropathy
May 1, 2026Taylor released from ICE custody following advocacy campaign by wife Mildred, U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath, Senator Raphael Warnock, Representative Pramila Jayapal, additional members of Congress, and community organizations

Sources

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