I am a retired judge and friend of Agnaldo de Oliveira, who is in an ICE detention center and facing the devastating loss of his eyesight. Four years ago, Agnaldo suffered a catastrophic eye injury while using a nail gun at his workplace. The accident left him virtually blind in one eye, and he urgently needs his prescribed medications for the injured eye and specialized treatment to save his remaining vision.

Although all of Agnaldo's medications were delivered to the detention center, numerous critical medications were never given to him, others were improperly substituted, and he simply did not receive the overall ongoing ophthalmic care needed for his eye comfort and to avoid irreparable harm. I could not stress enough the urgency of this situation. Without immediate care, he could lose his sight forever. These substantial violations of his constitutional rights could only be addressed in Federal Court by lawyers who are equipped to handle a fight of this kind, and I am helping Agnaldo by raising additional funds for those legal services.

The Full Story

Agnaldo came to the U.S. in 2016 from Brazil, seeking safety and a better life. He has no criminal record and built his livelihood as a carpenter. Agnaldo has a pending asylum case. Several years ago, a workplace nail gun accident left him with a catastrophic injury to his left eye, requiring multiple surgeries, ten prescription medications daily, and specialized ophthalmic care by multiple specialists. Since then, he has fought to preserve the vision that remains.

On July 3, 2025, while attending a routine ICE check-in, Agnaldo was suddenly detained at Buffalo Federal Detention Center in Batavia, New York. Despite clear documentation of his urgent medical needs, and his prescribed medications being provided to the detention center, the medications were not properly administered for months. Instead, medications were omitted or he was given altered or substitute medications, leaving his condition virtually untreated. Today, his vision is deteriorating rapidly and he is in great pain — and without urgent medical intervention, he may face total blindness.

His attorneys have been working tirelessly to advocate for his medical care, but the legal costs are overwhelming. Supporters have already raised thousands of dollars just to keep his case moving forward. Agnaldo has not been able to work since his injury, and without community help, he has no way to cover his mounting legal expenses.

Why Your Help Matters

Agnaldo’s case is about more than just one man’s health — it’s about basic human dignity. No one should lose their sight because they were denied access to critical medications while in detention. With your support, we can:

• Secure the urgent medical care Agnaldo needs to preserve his vision

• Support legal action demanding his release so treatment can continue

• Ensure his story is heard and that this preventable tragedy does not happen

How You Can Help

• Donate today — every dollar helps cover the legal costs to fight for his rights.

• Share Agnaldo’s story with friends, family, and community networks.

• Stand with Agnaldo so he can protect his remaining vision and fight for his future.

Thank you for your support!