Brazilian woman detained by ICE following mental health crisis

A 29-year-old Brazilian woman, Iara do Carmo Santana, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Malden, Massachusetts, following a mental health crisis. The incident occurred after Santana experienced a miscarriage and required medical follow-up.

On September 3, Santana’s fiancé, Gabriel Lemos, called emergency services to seek help for her emotional instability following the loss of the pregnancy. Although Lemos denies being a victim of aggression and stated his intention was to secure medical assistance, Santana was detained by local police on allegations of assaulting him. After six hours in police custody, she was transferred to ICE.

Santana, who entered the United States irregularly, was taken to an immigrant detention center in Burlington. She reported that during her three-night stay, she was denied necessary post-procedure medication, resulting in an infection and mobility issues. She also alleged that she was forced to sleep on the floor during her detention.