Trans organizer detained by ICE denied hormone therapy, medical neglect
Mar 9, 2026 · Phoenix, AZ, Venezuela
DetainmentDetention ConditionsLGBTQ+Person with DisabilityCourt Order ViolationICE/USCIS OfficeArizona

Karla Sáenz, a 26-year-old transgender woman from Venezuela and organizer with Trans Queer Pueblo, was detained by ICE on March 9 during a routine immigration check-in at a USCIS office in Phoenix. She was held for a month at Eloy Detention Center in a men's unit, where she was denied hormone therapy, unable to shower for a week, and subjected to verbal abuse and medical neglect by staff. A federal judge ordered her release in April, finding her detention arbitrary and violating her due process rights.
Timeline
Apr 22, 2026—Federal judge ordered Sáenz's release after government conceded detention was arbitrary and violated due process rights
Apr 22, 2026—Released from custody; began advocating for Arbella Rodríguez Márquez, a queer woman with leukemia detained by ICE for over a year
Mar 9, 2026—Karla Sáenz detained by ICE at USCIS office in Phoenix during routine immigration check-in
Mar 9, 2026—Sáenz held at Eloy Detention Center in men's unit; denied hormone therapy, shower access, and subjected to verbal abuse and medical neglect
Sources
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