BLACK mobile logo

united states

Democratic Women’s Caucus demands release of pregnant immigrants in ICE detention 

November 17, 2025

The Democratic Women's Caucus has sent a letter signed by 61 lawmakers to ICE's acting director demanding the release of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing immigrants in detention who don't present security threats. The lawmakers cited troubling reports from The 19th and the ACLU documenting cases where detained pregnant women received inadequate food, prenatal care, and pumping supplies, creating serious health risks for both mothers and babies. Although a Biden-era policy directive restricts ICE from detaining such individuals except in exceptional circumstances, and Trump hasn't formally rescinded it, numerous violations continue to be reported.

Who is affected

  • Pregnant, postpartum, and nursing immigrants held in ICE detention facilities
  • Unborn children of detained pregnant women
  • The 61 Democratic lawmakers in the Democratic Women's Caucus who signed the letter
  • ICE acting Director Todd Lyons (recipient of the demands)
  • Medical professionals concerned about health complications
  • The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other advocacy organizations
  • Families separated from detained individuals

What action is being taken

  • The Democratic Women's Caucus is demanding the release of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing immigrants in ICE custody who don't pose security risks
  • The caucus is demanding a review of ICE's processes and training related to treatment of these individuals
  • Lawmakers are requesting data on the number of detained pregnant women, births, miscarriages, and obstetric emergencies
  • The ACLU is documenting cases of inadequate treatment
  • ICE is detaining pregnant, postpartum, and nursing immigrants despite policy restrictions

Why it matters

  • This situation matters because pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women in detention face significant health risks that endanger both mothers and babies, potentially including death. The conditions in detention facilities—including limited food affecting nutrition, inadequate medical care, poor sleep conditions, and the stress of arrest and family separation—can cause serious complications during a medically vulnerable time. The issue is particularly significant because ICE appears to be violating an existing Biden-era policy directive that remains officially in effect, and the lack of transparency (refusing to provide detention data after Congress let reporting requirements lapse) makes it impossible to determine the full scope of the problem or hold the agency accountable.

What's next

  • The Democratic Women's Caucus has requested a substantive response from ICE within 45 days
  • The caucus is awaiting the requested data on the number of pregnant women detained, births, miscarriages, and obstetric emergencies
  • A review of ICE's processes and training related to treatment of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing individuals is being requested

Read full article from source: The 19th