Pregnant Asylum Seeker Endures Four-Month ICE Detention With Minimal Medical Care
A pregnant Turkish woman has revealed the harsh and distressing conditions she experienced during a four-month detention at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Nevada. Emine Sahin, who discovered she was pregnant on the very day of her detainment in September 2025, spent 122 days at the Henderson center near Las Vegas with almost no medical attention throughout her first and second trimesters.
Detention Conditions Described as Inhumane
Despite her pregnancy, Sahin reported being treated identically to other detainees, with no special provisions for her condition. 'The conditions were the same as they were for normal criminals,' she told local media. 'I did not receive any medical assistance. It was almost impossible to see a doctor there, and the food was the same way.' She experienced pregnancy-related nausea, aches, and even caught a cold during her confinement, yet received no check-ups or examinations.
Background of Asylum Seeking and Legal Complications
Emine and her husband Batuhan first sought asylum in the United States in November 2023, fleeing Turkey to escape violence from family members. Their detention ordeal began when Emine was arrested during a domestic dispute at their home in September 2025. Although misdemeanor domestic battery charges were dropped on September 25, 2025, she was immediately transferred to ICE custody instead of being released.
The couple's asylum process was denied following Emine's detainment, forcing them to restart their entire application. Batuhan explained that an immigration court date they had scheduled with an attorney was canceled due to the detention, creating significant legal setbacks.
Physical and Emotional Toll of Confinement
Sahin described her detention as traumatic, filled with uncertainty about her baby's health for months. She was held in a cell measuring less than 70 square feet containing bunk beds, a toilet, and a sink. 'I received no medical care whatsoever for a week,' she added, emphasizing the complete lack of prenatal attention during her confinement.
Following her release in late January 2026 after her lawyer filed a Habeas Corpus case, the couple visited an emergency room for a baby checkup. While the baby was found healthy, the $1,500 medical bill represented just one of many financial obstacles they now face.
Current Situation and Ongoing Challenges
Now six months pregnant, Emine remains under ICE supervision and is periodically required to sign in with authorities. The couple has been living in hotel rooms and sometimes sleeping in their car as they struggle to find permanent housing. They face potential deportation, which Batuhan fears would endanger their entire family. 'If we went back, our lives would automatically be in danger, and not just my life, but also the lives of Emine and our future baby would be in danger automatically,' he stated.
Community Support and Backlash
The Sahins established a GoFundMe campaign that has nearly reached $10,000 toward its $20,000 goal. Funds are intended to provide consistent medical care, rest, a safe environment, essential baby items, transportation costs, and an emergency buffer. While receiving support, the couple has also faced backlash and threats. 'To be honest, we experienced a lot of negativity here. We faced many difficult situations. But we also met very good people,' Batuhan acknowledged, expressing gratitude for those offering assistance.
The family's situation highlights ongoing concerns about treatment of pregnant detainees in immigration facilities and the complex challenges facing asylum seekers navigating the U.S. immigration system while dealing with health vulnerabilities and legal uncertainties.
