In July, we wrote about pregnant women facing neglect and abuse in ICE detention. Since then, ICE’s enforcement actions have intensified nationwide—including the killing of mother Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota, and widespread reports of families separated during raids at schools and workplaces. Across all detention facilities, reports document unconstitutional conditions, medical neglect, and violations of basic human rights. What ICE is doing to all detained individuals is unacceptable and inhumane.
The Government Stopped Counting
In March 2025, Congress eliminated the federal requirement that ICE report on pregnant, postpartum, and nursing people in detention. ICE now refuses to disclose these numbers despite requests from lawmakers, the ACLU, and advocacy organizations. In April, the Basile, Louisiana detention center alone held 14 pregnant women. The total number across 190+ ICE facilities remains unknown. As of September 2025, ICE detention overall reached a record 66,000 people—a 50% increase from 39,000 at the end of 2024. More than 70% of those detained have no criminal record. [KFF]
Three Recent Cases
Nayra Guzmán was detained 15 days after giving birth via C-section while managing Type 1 diabetes. Her newborn was in the NICU, unable to breathe independently. Federal agents arrested her as the family prepared for a critical care meeting about her daughter’s prognosis. She spent 34 hours detained, sleeping on a bench in freezing conditions.
Angie Rodriguez learned she was pregnant after being taken into custody at a routine check-in. She was denied prenatal care for weeks and described being “unignorably hungry.” She began bleeding and was eventually taken to a hospital, where providers confirmed she had miscarried. She was returned to detention and placed in medical isolation.
Marie, a graduate student, was detained for over 20 weeks during her high-risk pregnancy, including time in solitary confinement. When she asked about prenatal vitamins, a nurse responded: “You won’t die if you don’t take them.” After her release, she developed preeclampsia and experienced postpartum depression linked to her detention.
The ACLU documented more than a dozen similar cases in October, including women shackled while miscarrying and denied basic prenatal care.
ICE Directive 11032.4 states the agency should not detain pregnant, postpartum, or nursing individuals except in “exceptional circumstances.” In November, 61 members of Congress requested data on detained pregnant women and clarification on what constitutes these exceptional circumstances. ICE has not responded. [The 19th]
Take Action
- Contact your representatives: Demand restoration of reporting requirements and release of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing people from ICE custody. Find your elected officials here
- Support advocacy organizations: CHIRLA, Immigrant Defenders, ACLU, Al Otro Lado, Women’s Refugee Commission
- Report cases: Submit to the Women’s Refugee Commission Detention Pregnancy Tracker
- Amplify these stories: Share this newsletter and tag your representatives
We don’t just believe in supporting the fourth trimester—we’re building a world where postpartum and birthing people are valued and protected. That means adequate nutrition, medical care, safety, and dignity for every pregnant and postpartum person. No exceptions.
