The family of Katia Pérez Bautea 38-year-old Cuban arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Dallas, Texas, is experiencing moments of anguish.
The woman, who arrived in the United States in 2022 and has suffered from the consequences of a malignant tumor since childhood, did not receive medical care or medications inside the detention center, as reported by her family in a report Univision News.
“We don’t know what’s going on in there, because no doctor has seen her yet, or she’s under treatment or anything, and we’re really, really worried,” he said Maira Pérezaunt of the prisoner.
Katia has suffered since the age of three from Wilms’ tumor, a childhood kidney cancer that has forced her to undergo multiple surgeries and left her with half a functioning kidney. Since then, he has needed strict diets and constant medications such as Tramadol and Gabapentin to relieve pain and protect his nervous system.
His family explains that it was impossible to maintain treatment in Cuba.
“He didn’t have a diet he could follow like his, nor the medications he has to constantly take due to the kidney problems he has. He did everything he could and put in all the effort to get this far, for his health,” his aunt said.
Katia’s cousin, Jessica Manteconadded that the woman poses no danger to the community and that her life in the United States has been exemplary:
“Since he arrived, he has been working and has never had any problems in this country.”
Katia’s husband, as confirmed by Univisionhe doesn’t feel emotionally ready to talk about it, while his family insists that his arrest puts his life at risk.
“It would be like signing her a death warrant.”
The lawyer Lissete Headdresswhich represents the migrant, has anticipated that it will request Katia’s release with humanitarian permission, appealing to the seriousness of her medical conditions. “It’s a case where humanity must prevail,” he said.
In the meantime, his family asks for solidarity and sensitivity.
“Let them help her, let them put their hand on their heart,” begged her aunt. “Please, let them give her a second chance, she is a good girl. In Cuba there are no medicines, there is no good nutrition, there is nothing. This would be signing her a death sentence,” added her cousin.
A case that arouses indignation
Katia’s case has generated a groundswell of support on social media and among the Cuban community in the United States, where many decry the immigration system’s lack of humanity. The woman, a Form I-220A holder, had kept all of her court appointments and was awaiting termination of her residency when she was arrested.
Her hearing is scheduled for November 4, but her family fears she could be deported before her case is heard.
Since arriving in the country three years ago, Katia had managed to rebuild her life: she worked, respected the rules and had no precedents. Today, his family is only asking that he receive the medical care he needs to survive.
This Saturday, as confirmed by the family a Univisiona doctor will visit Katia in the detention center, as efforts continue to get US congressmen to intervene in the case and grant her humanitarian freedom before her health worsens.
