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Norwegian woman detained during green card interview denied insulin for days at Otay Mesa

Jun 16, 2026 · San Diego, CA, Norway

Norwegian woman detained during green card interview denied insulin for days at Otay Mesa

Hanne Engan, a 24-year-old Norwegian citizen applying for a green card through her U.S. citizen husband, was arrested by ICE agents on November 17, 2025, during a green card interview at a San Diego facility and held at Otay Mesa Detention Center for eight to nine days. Despite her Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, ICE confiscated her insulin and continuous glucose monitor, misclassified her condition in detention records, and denied her mealtime insulin despite repeated requests, resulting in dangerously elevated blood sugar levels (508 mg/dL), weight loss, infections, and suicidal ideation. She was placed in solitary confinement for five days. A federal judge found no flight risk, ordered her release on a $1,500 bond after nine days, and later terminated her deportation case after ruling ICE lacked jurisdiction to detain her.

Timeline

Dec 2025Engan's deportation case terminated after federal judge ruled ICE lacked jurisdiction to detain her
Nov 25, 2025Federal judge found no flight risk and ordered Engan's release on $1,500 bond after eight to nine days in custody
Nov 18, 2025Engan denied insulin for approximately two days following arrest despite requests
Nov 18, 2025Engan placed in solitary confinement for five days; blood sugar reached 508 mg/dL; weight loss and infections developed; suicidal ideation expressed
Nov 17, 2025Hanne Engan arrested by ICE agents during green card interview appointment at San Diego facility; approximately 20 others detained that day; transferred to Otay Mesa Detention Center with insulin and continuous glucose monitor confiscated
Nov 17, 2025Engan misclassified as Type 2 diabetic in detention records despite Type 1 diabetes diagnosis

Sources

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