On November 7, the sibling of one of our Dartmouth alums was abruptly taken into ICE custody. One the very first day of his detention, he was placed in a holding cell and forced to sleep on the bare floor with no bed, blanket, shower, or ventilation. Soon after, he began showing early symptoms of peritonsillar abscess (PTA)—a serious, potentially life-threatening infection that requires immediate medical attention. He repeatedly asked for help as his pain worsened, but ICE denied him medical care. Only when he was near collapse was he finally taken to a hospital to receive life-saving surgery.

After the procedure, instead of being placed somewhere safe to recover, he was returned to an ICE facility that was recently sued for its inhumane treatment of detainees. The family reports that he has no access to a toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, or warm water, conditions that could greatly jeopardize his recovery.

What happened to him reflects a larger pattern of systemic violence within immigration detention: medical neglect, unsafe living conditions, and constant dehumanization. His family is terrified that, without immediate intervention, continuing in ICE detention could cost him his life.

They are doing everything possible to secure legal assistance to protect him and ensure he receives the care he urgently needs. Funds raised will go directly toward:

Habeas Corpus Petition: $7,500

Deportation Defense: $6,500

Bail Bond: $5,000-$10,000

ICE has demonstrated that their mission is incompatible with honoring the humanity of their detainees, and legal representation is the only path to ensuring his safety. The financial burden, however, has become overwhelming for his family. Any support—whether through donation or sharing his fundraiser—helps bring him one step closer to safety, dignity, and a chance to heal.

This statement has been anonymized, as he remains in detention and his family fears retaliation for speaking publicly about the treatment he has endured.