Amnesty International is urging Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to release the medical records of Anabell, a Nicaraguan asylum seeker who suffered a miscarriage while detained. Detained in February 2026, Anabell was allegedly subjected to conditions that contravened both U.S. federal policies and international human rights laws.
In a letter to ICE Field Office Director Sam Olson, Amnesty International emphasized the importance of providing Anabell with her medical records. These records are essential for her to understand the care she received, as she was reportedly not informed at the time of treatment. Amnesty International alleges that Anabell’s detention and subsequent treatment may contravene constitutional and international human rights standards. For more details, please visit the original article.
Anabell, who discovered her pregnancy shortly after being unlawfully detained, reportedly received no prenatal care, in apparent violation of federal policies that require it. Furthermore, she was forced to engage in labor that caused severe pain and bleeding, ultimately culminating in a miscarriage. Her treatment at a hospital, following a critical medical request, left her with ongoing symptoms, yet no information about the care she received was provided.
This situation underscores broader concerns regarding the treatment of pregnant women in ICE custody. As of early 2026, ICE data indicated 86 pregnant women and 35 postpartum women were detained. Over one year, nearly 400 pregnant, postpartum, or lactating women were deported. This has prompted figures like Congresswoman Julia Brownley to advocate for better documentation and adherence to federal and ICE-specific directives concerning the care and detention of these women.
The alleged neglect and mistreatment of women like Anabell is said to infringe upon the international human right to health. This right obligates states to ensure appropriate services related to pregnancy, confinement, and the postnatal period, a commitment that the United States has recognized under the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to which it is a party.
Amnesty International’s call extends beyond Anabell’s individual case. It urges adherence to federal law, holding ICE accountable, and insists on systemic changes to ensure humane treatment of pregnant women in detention. Such measures are considered vital to prevent further infractions and uphold the legal and human rights of vulnerable populations within immigration custody.