Trans Immigrants Denied Medical Care in ICE Detention
What if you were detained by ICE and the medication keeping you healthy was simply taken away? That is the reality for transgender immigrants in at least 10 detention centers across the US right now. Hormones and other gender-related care have stopped — and the policy that once protected trans detainees no longer exists on the DHS website.
Transgender immigrants in ICE detention are being denied hormones and other gender-related medical care, according to reporting by the New York Times and LGBTQ Nation. ICE has halted that specialized care in at least 10 detention centers. Officials say the agency no longer consistently provides transgender detainees with hormones or related treatment. The policy that once guaranteed basic rights for trans people in immigration detention was removed from the DHS website in February 2025 — and protections meant to shield trans detainees from harassment or physical harm have since dissolved as well.
A system that used to have rules — and now doesn't
This is part of a broader crackdown on transgender rights under the Trump administration. The Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, which previously handled complaints about conditions in detention, was gutted in March 2025. That office was one of the few channels detainees could use to report abuse or denial of care. Separately, a new NPR investigation found that the grievance system inside immigration detention has been functionally dismantled — removing yet another way for people in custody to report problems.
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Immigrant rights, appeals and protective measures
The situation for other vulnerable groups in detention is also worsening. Deaf people in ICE detention and immigration proceedings are facing a lack of language assistance, Mother Jones reported. And Mexico has now filed 20 formal complaints with US authorities over the deaths of 17 Mexican nationals in ICE custody. A judge has appointed two independent monitors to check whether children in detention are receiving the legally required standard of care, following widespread reports of inhumane conditions.
Other immigration news this week
Twenty people — mostly from Cuba and Venezuela — were deported to Liberia this week as part of a federal deal for the West African nation to accept up to 1,200 migrants. In New York, more than 10 people held at Delaney Hall are pursuing U visas (a visa for victims of certain crimes) as a legal strategy that may protect them from deportation. And NYC resident Victor Hernandez says he lost thousands of dollars to what turned out to be an AI-generated fake immigration attorney — a warning for anyone searching for legal help online.
What to do
- If you or someone you know is a transgender immigrant in ICE detention, contact an immigration attorney or an LGBTQ legal organization immediately. Groups like the National Immigrant Justice Center and Lambda Legal have handled cases involving medical care in detention.
- If you are in removal proceedings (the formal process where a judge decides whether you can stay in the US), document every denial of medical care in writing. Dates, names, and what was refused all matter for any future legal claim.
- If you are searching for an immigration lawyer, verify their credentials on your state bar association's website before paying anything. The story of Victor Hernandez is a reminder that AI-generated scam profiles are targeting immigrants right now.
- If you are a Haitian immigrant whose Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has ended, contact a legal aid organization in your city. Schools and community groups in NYC are already organizing support — ask locally what resources exist.
What to do, step by step — see our guide “Appealing to the BIA”.
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Transgender detainees retain constitutional rights against deliberate indifference to serious medical needs under the Fifth Amendment — the removal of a written DHS policy does not erase those rights. If a detainee is being denied hormones or other prescribed care, an attorney can file an emergency motion in federal district court seeking a court order to restore that treatment. Anyone in this situation should contact an immigration or civil rights attorney immediately, because delays in filing can affect the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ICE legally deny hormones to a transgender detainee?
The law is contested. The DHS policy protecting trans detainees was removed from the agency's website in February 2025, but constitutional protections against deliberate indifference to serious medical needs still exist. Several lawsuits have challenged denials of medical care in detention. An immigration or civil rights attorney can advise on options specific to your situation.
What is a U visa, and can it stop deportation?
A U visa is a special visa for people who were victims of certain crimes and who cooperated with law enforcement. Applying for a U visa does not automatically stop deportation, but it can be used as part of a legal defense strategy in immigration court. An attorney must file the application with USCIS, and approval is not guaranteed.
My TPS ended. What are my options now?
If your Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has ended, you may still have other options — such as applying for asylum, a family-based visa, or another form of relief — depending on your individual situation. You should speak with an immigration attorney as soon as possible, because staying in the US without a valid status can have serious consequences including removal proceedings.
How do I know if an immigration attorney is real and not a scam?
Check the attorney's name on your state bar association's official website before paying anything. Real immigration attorneys must be licensed to practice law. 'Notarios' and immigration consultants are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice. If someone promises a green card or visa for a large upfront fee with no paperwork, that is a red flag.