In brief
Jose Contreras-Cervantes, a 33-year-old father of three detained in Michigan, is fighting against deportation while battling life-threatening leukemia. His lawyer has called for a bond hearing, citing serious health concerns due to inadequate medical treatment during his detention. The ACLU is advocating for his release, arguing that the current immigration policies violate due process rights.
DETROIT (AP) — Federal authorities have denied a Michigan man's release amid concerns about his health. Jose Contreras-Cervantes, who has been detained since August despite suffering from life-threatening leukemia, remains in custody. His lawyer, Miriam Aukerman from the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, is advocating for a bond hearing to allow him to return to his family and medical professionals while his immigration case is pending.
Contreras-Cervantes, 33, has lived in the United States for nearly two decades but is undocumented. He was apprehended during an August 5 traffic stop, even though he has no criminal history. His diagnosis last year with chronic myeloid leukemia is particularly alarming; according to his wife, Lupita Contreras, his prognosis suggests he may only have four to six years to live.
We don't just lock people up and throw away the key, Aukerman stated, emphasizing the need for judicial discretion in such cases. The existing policies stemming from the Trump administration deny bond hearings for undocumented immigrants, regardless of their circumstances. This has led to a backlog of cases, and detention without the possibility of release is becoming increasingly common, as seen in Contreras-Cervantes's situation.
During his detention, Contreras-Cervantes was transferred between facilities and went without essential medication for 22 days. Although he is now receiving substitute medication, it is not the specific treatment his doctors recommended. Aukerman and the ACLU filed a petition in U.S. District Court in Detroit, demanding bond hearings for Contreras-Cervantes and others in similar situations, arguing for the right to due process that remains overlooked in current policy.
The ACLU argues this treatment is unacceptable, stating, What the administration is doing is trying to crush people’s spirits, make them give up and agree to deportation. The case highlights serious concerns surrounding immigration detention and the treatment of individuals facing critical health issues.
