Your Healthcare Rights & Resources in ICE Detention: A Bilingual (English-Spanish) Resource for Detained People

Authors

• Vineeth R. Vaidyula B.S.*, Department of Medical Education, Human Rights and Social Justice Scholars Program @ Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. *Contributed equallyFollow
• Shivani Kulkarni B.A.*, Department of Medical Education, Human Rights and Social Justice Scholars Program @ Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. *Contributed equally
• Jai Mehrotra-Varma B.S.*, Department of Medical Education, Human Rights and Social Justice Scholars Program @ Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. *Contributed equally
• Elizabeth R. Kolod M.D., M.P.H., Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.

Document Type

News + Noteworthy

Date

2026

Comments

Authors Vineeth Vaidyula, Shivani Kulkarni, and Jai Mehrotra-Varma contributed equally.

The authors thank the attorneys at The Bronx Defenders for their review and guidance in refining this resource.

Submission Date

April 2026

Abstract

This resource provides a concise, practical overview of healthcare rights and medical access for people held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention. It outlines basic health, dental, mental health, and reproductive care rights; expected medical processes during the initial period of detention; and common barriers such as delayed care, limited access to specialists, and language challenges. The guide also offers strategies for self-advocacy and documentation, including tracking medications, medical encounters, and requests for care, and identifies legal and advocacy resources for additional support. Designed for use by detained individuals and their advocates, this resource aims to promote informed self-advocacy and continuity of care. The resource is available in both English and Spanish.

Rights

© The Author(s)

Is Part Of

Auctus

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25886/0dm8-s546