ACLU Pushes for Release of Detained Michigan Man with Leukemia

Federal authorities in the United States are facing mounting pressure to release a Michigan man who is currently detained and suffering from life-threatening leukemia. Jose Contreras-Cervantes, a 33-year-old father of three, has been held in a detention center since August 5, 2023, following a traffic stop in Macomb County near Detroit. His attorney from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) reported that Contreras-Cervantes has faced inconsistent healthcare during his time in custody.

The ACLU is now advocating for a bond hearing that could allow Contreras-Cervantes to return to his family and receive appropriate medical care while his immigration case is pending in court. Currently, he is detained approximately three hours away from his home, making it difficult for him to access his family and healthcare providers.

Contreras-Cervantes, who has lived in the U.S. for nearly 20 years without legal status, was arrested despite having no criminal record. His wife, Lupita Contreras, shared details of his diagnosis with chronic myeloid leukemia, a serious form of cancer affecting the bone marrow. She stated, “The doctor said he has four to six years to live,” emphasizing the urgency of his situation.

The detention of Contreras-Cervantes is tied to a policy from the Trump administration, which stipulated that immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally could be denied bond hearings, even if they have clean records. This approach represents a significant shift from previous practices that allowed for more flexibility in immigration cases. The ACLU’s lawyer, Miriam Aukerman, criticized the administration’s stance, asserting, “We don’t just lock people up and throw away the key.”

According to the ACLU, the treatment Contreras-Cervantes has received while in custody has been inadequate. He was reportedly moved between facilities, including a transfer to Ohio, and went without necessary medication for a staggering 22 days. Currently, he receives a substitute drug at the North Lake Processing Center, a privately operated facility in Baldwin, Michigan, rather than the specific medication recommended by his physicians.

On Monday, the ACLU submitted a petition to the U.S. District Court in Detroit, requesting that the court mandate bond hearings for Contreras-Cervantes and seven other detained individuals. Aukerman emphasized the importance of due process, stating, “What the administration is doing is trying to crush people’s spirits, make them give up and agree to deportation. We’re saying no. They’re entitled to due process.”

As the case unfolds, the ACLU continues to advocate for the rights of individuals in similar situations, highlighting the broader implications of immigration policies on families and vulnerable populations. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has not yet commented on the specifics of Contreras-Cervantes’ case, leaving many questions unanswered regarding his future and the treatment of detainees facing serious health challenges.