Venezuelan Asylum Seeker Faces Medical Concerns in ICE Detention

A Venezuelan asylum seeker detained in Georgia, Tangieth Paola Carrasquero Lopez, claims insufficient care for her polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) while in ICE custody. Despite a doctor’s warning that discontinuing treatment could worsen her condition, Carrasquero Lopez says she only received ibuprofen for her pain.

After her detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during an Atlanta immigration appointment on July 27, Carrasquero Lopez sought assistance for abdominal discomfort. However, she reported receiving no specific care for her underlying medical issues.You receive some pain medication to see if it helps, but no doctor is consulted, she explained to Newsweek.

Contradicting her account, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson indicated that Carrasquero Lopez did not report any medical necessities such as pain or mental health issues during her intake screening. The agency later confirmed her positive test for PCOS and added her to a chronic care list for further medical examination.

Newsweek-reviewed documents reveal Carrasquero Lopez’s diagnoses of hepatic steatosis, obesity, and PCOS. A Georgia gastroenterologist, Arnaldo Jimenez, stressed the need for ongoing treatment for these conditions, prior to her detention. He didn’t deem the conditions immediately life-threatening but stressed that maintaining treatment is crucial for her health. Jimenez requested she receive prescribed medication and medical care while detained to avoid complications and safeguard her overall health.

According to DHS, Carrasquero Lopez was charged in Gwinnett County, Georgia, with driving without a license on June 14, 2023. Records reveal her only documented legal issues involve traffic disputes from that incident.

ICE claims to perform medical, dental, and mental health screenings within 12 hours of detainee arrival, full health evaluations within 14 days, and provides access to required medical services. Carrasquero Lopez is held at Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Georgia, a facility previously criticized in 2020 due to allegations of medical mismanagement. Investigations found no evidence of numerous unnecessary hysterectomies but did identify serious healthcare deficiencies.

Carrasquero Lopez raised concerns about her health amid detention, specifically food primarily consisting of carbohydrates, which she was advised against. She continues to experience unexplained pain, numbness in her arms, and leg pain.

Her partner, Andres, requested anonymity, citing fear of retaliation. He stated Carrasquero Lopez repeatedly voiced her need for continued care for her existing medical conditions. Some critics of the Trump administration claim the increase in immigration detentions has strained healthcare systems, especially affecting those with chronic conditions. Officials maintain that detainees receive appropriate medical attention.

Carrasquero Lopez entered the U.S. in 2021, seeking asylum. Andres confirmed she attended her required immigration appointments, and her asylum plea remains open. DHS reported that U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered her near San Luis, Arizona, on September 16, 2021, after which she was released by the Biden administration. She was granted Temporary Protected Status and a work permit in the U.S. through 2030.

Andres expressed confusion over her detention, noting her compliance with immigration obligations and lack of deportation orders. She had secured a job offer on July 22 as a Senior Helper with a Georgia automation firm, $24 per hour. Classes were arranged at Gwinnett Technical College for August.

Andres and Carrasquero Lopez share nearly eight years together, and he reports her experiencing significant emotional turmoil. DHS stated she will stay in ICE custody until the closure of any removal proceedings, with full legal process guaranteed.