In brief
Jose Contreras-Cervantes, a Michigan man diagnosed with leukemia, is currently facing deportation while detained. His attorney, backed by the ACLU, is fighting for a bond hearing to allow him to return to his family and receive proper medical care. Despite his critical health status, federal authorities have denied his release, citing past immigration policies. The ACLU argues for due process and proper healthcare access for detainees.
DETROIT (AP) — Federal authorities have denied the release of Jose Contreras-Cervantes, a Michigan man facing deportation despite his serious health condition. Diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, a life-threatening form of cancer, Contreras-Cervantes has been in custody since August 5 after being stopped for a traffic violation.
His lawyer, Miriam Aukerman from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan, has petitioned for a bond hearing that could allow him to reunite with his family and receive the necessary medical treatment closer to home. Contreras-Cervantes, who has lived in the U.S. for nearly two decades, has no prior criminal record, making his detention particularly contentious.
As reported by his wife, Lupita Contreras, the prognosis from his doctor indicates he has four to six years left to live. He needs to be with his family and doctors who can provide him with the proper care, she expressed.
Contreras-Cervantes's detention stems from policies implemented during the Trump administration that restrict bond hearings for undocumented immigrants without criminal records. These policies have faced legal challenges in various states, but current conditions remain unchanged for many in similar situations.
Additionally, Contreras-Cervantes has reportedly gone days without essential medication as he was moved between detention facilities. Currently, he is at North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, Michigan, but receiving alternative medication instead of what his healthcare providers recommended.
The ACLU is fighting for his right to a fair hearing and proper medical care, emphasizing the importance of due process. Judges decide who should be behind bars, not just based on immigration status, Aukerman said, highlighting the lengthy nature of immigration cases.
As of now, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has not commented on the situation. The ACLU has filed a petition in U.S. District Court in Detroit on behalf of Contreras-Cervantes and several others in similar predicaments, asserting that their treatment violates fundamental rights.
