Cancer patient held by ICE over a year, lawmakers renew demand for release
Feb 10, 2025·Location: Eloy, AZ

Arbella "Yari" Rodríguez Márquez, a 47-year-old lawful permanent resident with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, has now spent more than a year at Eloy Detention Center, where she has lost 60 pounds and reportedly experiences anemia and vomiting blood. Three dozen Arizona state legislators from the LGBTQIA caucus have asked ICE to release her on humanitarian grounds, and U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, who visited her in September, has written to Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons seeking her release. ICE disputes claims of inadequate care, saying she has been seen by medical staff 13 times and has an upcoming offsite medical appointment. An immigration judge revoked her green card after her initial detention in February 2025.
Sources
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