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Pregnant detainee Lucia denied prenatal care, miscarried while shackled in ICE custody

Feb 20, 2026 · Louisiana, LA

Lucia, a pregnant woman detained by ICE after appearing for a regular check-in appointment, began experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding in the middle of the night when she was two months pregnant. She requested immediate medical attention but was not taken to see medical staff for several hours. Instead, medical staff left her alone in a small room without food, water, or pain medication while she bled heavily. After significant blood loss, she was transported to an emergency room with her arms and legs shackled while actively miscarrying. She required a blood transfusion due to the miscarriage. She was returned to ICE custody and continued experiencing abdominal pain and heavy bleeding for another month before being deported.

Timeline

Jan 7, 2026After one month of continued abdominal pain and heavy bleeding in ICE custody, Lucia was deported
Dec 7, 2025At two months pregnant, Lucia experienced heavy vaginal bleeding in the middle of the night and requested medical attention but was not taken to medical staff for several hours; left alone without food, water, or pain medication
Dec 7, 2025Lucia transported to emergency room shackled while actively miscarrying; required blood transfusion due to miscarriage
Oct 7, 2025Lucia detained by ICE after appearing for regular check-in appointment while pregnant

Sources

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