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Russian asylum seeker hospitalized with stroke symptoms, denied mobility support in detention

Jun 17, 2026 · San Diego, CA, Russia

Russian asylum seeker hospitalized with stroke symptoms, denied mobility support in detention

An older Russian man who crossed at a port of entry and requested asylum in August 2024 was hospitalized days later for stroke-like symptoms while detained at Otay Mesa. He was cuffed to his hospital bed despite half his body being paralyzed, and upon return to detention received no mobility support until other detainees filed grievance reports on his behalf. He continued to lose consciousness regularly and was eventually released on parole in February 2025 after six months in detention.

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