Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Death of Chinese Immigrant Revives Concern for Health Care at Detention Centers

The death of a Chinese immigrant while awaiting deportation hearings has revived concern as to how quickly and thoroughly authorities respond to the health needs of detainees. The man complained of back pains, but ICE and his keepers felt he was faking. He had appealed his deportation. Yet while in excruciating and growing pain, ICE pressured him to drop his appeals and submit to deportation. Finally a federal judge ordered the man be taken to a hospital where terminal cancer was diagnosed. Even then ICE delayed family visits. The case is added to earlier revelations of needless deaths while in ICE hands (See posting for July 3, 2008) that is spurring a congressional investigation. (See NY Times article.)

No comments: