A pregnant woman from Ghana, Annabella Gyasi, and her 4-year-old son have been detained for over a week at Washington Dulles International Airport, despite entering the U.S. on valid visas. The pair traveled to the U.S. for a medical appointment at Akron Children’s Hospital in Ohio, where her son was to be evaluated for surgery on his malformed hands.

Gyasi, who is more than four months pregnant, expressed fears of returning to Ghana due to persecution, which led to her detention by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Her lawyers, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, have filed an emergency petition highlighting the conditions of her detention, which they claim are endangering both her health and her son’s.

Legal and Health Concerns

The Department of Homeland Security has denied allegations of mistreatment, stating that Gyasi has access to appropriate care, including medical evaluations and food. However, Gyasi’s legal representatives argue that she has been hospitalized twice for pregnancy complications, including vaginal bleeding and lightheadedness, and was returned to the detention room each time.

According to her lawyers, Gyasi reported being denied additional food despite expressing hunger, which led her to sign a deportation order out of desperation. After signing, she was provided with food, but her lawyers later clarified that her agreement to deportation was made under duress.

Judicial Intervention

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema has ordered a hearing to address the situation. Immigration officials argue that Gyasi’s tourist visa was misused, as she allegedly admitted under oath that her intent was to seek asylum and not return to Ghana. The case highlights ongoing debates about immigration policies and the treatment of individuals seeking refuge in the U.S.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.