Heartbreak and False Accusations: ICE Accused of Smearing Grieving Mother
Imagine losing your baby while in custody, and then being publicly accused of being a "wanted killer." This is the harrowing reality Iris Dayana Monterroso-Lemus, a mother who experienced a devastating miscarriage while detained by ICE, allegedly faced.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under the leadership of Kristi Noem (formerly nicknamed “ICE Barbie”), is accused of falsely accusing Monterroso-Lemus of being a wanted killer after she bravely shared her story of unimaginable suffering during her time in ICE custody. The details are truly shocking.
According to reports, Monterroso-Lemus was detained and subsequently deported to Guatemala following a miscarriage at 20 weeks. She claims to have received inadequate prenatal care and minimal medical attention, despite repeatedly informing guards about her severe pain. Her story highlights significant concerns regarding the treatment of pregnant women and detainees within the immigration system.
In an interview with the Nashville Banner, Monterroso-Lemus described the appalling conditions she faced at the Richwood Correctional Center, a facility known for its history of issues. She recounted having to sleep on the floor, battling hunger, and giving birth to her stillborn child under the watch of a prison guard. The ordeal is nothing short of a tragedy, sparking outrage among immigration advocates and the public.
Adding insult to injury, the DHS issued a "fact check" that not only disputed Monterroso-Lemus's claims of inadequate medical care but also alleged that she was wanted for homicide in Guatemala. This accusation, according to reports, was demonstrably false. Court documents allegedly show that the warrant had been revoked days *after* her deportation to Guatemala.
The Daily Beast reportedly confronted the DHS, who then admitted to failing to verify the current legal status of Monterroso-Lemus before releasing their public statement. This admission raises serious questions about the integrity and accuracy of information disseminated by government agencies. How can the public trust the DHS after this alleged failure?
Gary Bivens, Monterroso-Lemus's fiancé, described the DHS claims as "a bunch of BS," emphasizing the discrepancies between the "fact check" and actual hospital records. He believes the "fact check" was a deliberate attempt to smear his partner and bury the truth about her treatment in ICE detention.
This story highlights the devastating consequences of immigration policies and the potential for mistreatment within the system. It also raises crucial questions about accountability and the importance of verifying information before making public accusations that can irreparably harm individuals. Bivens has started a GoFundMe to help Iris, and is planning to move to Guatemala to be with her. He is scheduled to testify before congress in mid-October.
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