PHOENIX — U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari is demanding immediate medical care for an Arizona woman with cancer who was detained at the Eloy Detention Center.
The Democrat held a press conference at the U.S. Capitol to advocate on behalf of Arbella “Yari” Rodríguez Márquez, who has leukemia, on Thursday.
“Yari was diagnosed with cancer over 10 years ago and has not been able to see a specialist since she was detained in February,” Ansari said during the event.
Ansari said Márquez has been in the U.S. for 25 years, was a lawful permanent resident for two years and has no criminal record.
Yassamin Ansari urges Eloy Detention Center to let detained woman with cancer go
Ansari said she saw Márquez, who is coughing up blood and has lost 55 pounds, during a recent oversight visit she took to the detention center.
“She spoke to me in tears, begging to see an oncologist and telling me that the detention center will merely give her Tylenol and stomach ulcer medicine,” Ansari said.
After the conference, Ansari sent a letter to Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons demanding immediate attention.
In her letter, she requested ICE to allow Márquez to visit an oncologist, as well as:
- An immediate update on Márquez’s medical care.
- Details about what ICE is doing to address her condition.
- Justification for keeping her at the Eloy Detention Center.
“I’m using my voice to demand immediate medical action for Yari,” Ansari said. “She cannot wait one more day to receive the fair and humane treatment she deserves.”
The post Rep. Yassamin Ansari demands medical care for woman with cancer held at Eloy detention center appeared first on KTAR.
