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Cancer patient detained over a year at Arizona ICE facility as health deteriorates, lawmakers and advocates demand release

May 15, 2026 · Eloy, AZ

Cancer patient detained over a year at Arizona ICE facility as health deteriorates, lawmakers and advocates demand release

Arbella "Yari" Rodríguez Márquez, a green card holder, was arrested at a border checkpoint in Nogales, Arizona in February 2025 and detained at Eloy Detention Center. She has chronic lymphocytic leukemia that was in remission before her detention but has since returned and worsened while in custody. Her health has significantly deteriorated, with symptoms including weight loss (55 pounds), anemia, vomiting blood, and the development of new chronic conditions requiring a walker. Over a year into her detention, state legislators, members of Congress, civil rights organizations, and advocacy groups including Trans Queer Pueblo have called for her humanitarian release. ICE denies allegations of medical neglect, stating she has received 13 medical appointments during detention.

Timeline

May 15, 2026Advocates and her partner continue calling for release as her cancer has returned and health continues to deteriorate, requiring use of walker
May 4, 2026Three dozen state legislators from LGBTQIA caucus send letter to ICE's Office of Professional Responsibility demanding her release on humanitarian grounds
May 1, 2026Over one year into detention, state legislators and members of Congress call for humanitarian release citing chronic leukemia complications; ICE denies medical neglect allegations
Jul 5, 2025After five months in custody, advocacy group Trans Queer Pueblo launches petition for her release citing 55-pound weight loss and inadequate medical care
Feb 2025Arbella Rodríguez Márquez arrested at border checkpoint in Nogales, Arizona and transferred to Eloy Detention Center

Sources

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