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Bangladeshi woman denied medication in ICE custody, now pushes for reform bill

Aug 20, 2026 · California City, CA, Bangladesh

Bangladeshi woman denied medication in ICE custody, now pushes for reform bill

Masuma Khan, 64, a Bangladeshi immigrant with no criminal history who arrived in the U.S. in 1997 and has long worked at a local restaurant, was detained at the California City Detention Facility after a routine ICE check-in in October 2025. During her month in custody, she intermittently or never received medications for high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, prediabetes, and glaucoma, receiving asthma medication only two days before release and never getting eye drops; staff told her to buy medications from the commissary, which did not stock them. Since her release, Khan has suffered PTSD and ongoing health issues, and has become fearful of leaving her home. Advocates allege ICE uses intimidation tactics on detainees nearing release, including driving them to airport tarmacs to pressure self-deportation. Supporters are now urging California lawmakers, including Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, and Governor Gavin Newsom, to pass SB995, the Masuma Khan Justice Act.

Timeline

Aug 20, 2026Advocates highlight her ongoing PTSD and health issues, push for SB995, the Masuma Khan Justice Act
Jun 5, 2026Report details medical neglect during her month-long detention, including denial of medications
Oct 1, 2025Detained by ICE during routine check-in at California City Detention Facility

Sources

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