HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Queer woman with leukemia detained by ICE for over a year with deteriorating health

Apr 28, 2026 · Nogales, AZ

Queer woman with leukemia detained by ICE for over a year with deteriorating health

Arbella "Yari" Rodríguez Márquez, a 39-year-old queer woman and legal permanent resident with chronic lymphocytic leukemia since 2013, was detained by ICE on February 10, 2025, after being apprehended at the Nogales port of entry while returning from Mexico with her partner of over 13 years, Sonia Almaraz. Her legal residency was subsequently revoked by a federal immigration judge, and she was placed in removal proceedings at Eloy Detention Center. Over the course of her detention, her health has severely deteriorated: she has lost 70 pounds, developed additional conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, lymphedema, and anemia, and experiences hematemesis (vomiting blood daily), nosebleeds, bruising, extreme fatigue, and dehydration due to lack of adequate medical care—receiving only Tylenol for pain management. A parole request filed by her lawyer was denied on June 24, 2025. By April 2026, more than three dozen Arizona lawmakers, the LGBTQIA Legislative Caucus, and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups including Trans Queer Pueblo have called for her immediate humanitarian release, warning that her continued detention in a facility with a history of deaths amounts to a "death sentence" given her medical vulnerability.

Timeline

Apr 28, 2026Arizona legislators and LGBTQIA Legislative Caucus send letter to ICE urging expedited humanitarian parole approval, documenting additional conditions and medical complications.
Oct 23, 2025Health continues to deteriorate; reported weight loss increases to 70 pounds with hematemesis, nosebleeds, and severe weakness requiring wheelchair mobility.
Jul 4, 2025LGBTQ+ advocates and community members publicly demand her release, citing deteriorating health (55 pounds lost) and lack of cancer treatment.
Jun 24, 2025Parole request filed by her lawyer denied.
Feb 10, 2025Arbella Rodríguez Márquez detained by ICE after apprehension at Nogales port of entry while returning from Mexico; placed at Eloy Detention Center; her legal residency subsequently revoked by federal immigration judge.

Sources

More incidents in Arizona