ICE Releases Blind Detainee After Days in Isolation, Raising Urgent Concerns Over Treatment of Vulnerable Migrants
In a highly unusual decision, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released Carlos Anibal Chalco Chango, a 40-year-old blind migrant, after he spent several days in an upstate New York detention facility held in isolation and without access to his cane. His release on Monday has drawn swift attention from immigrant-rights groups, disability advocates, and policymakers who are now questioning the agency’s handling of individuals with medical and accessibility needs.
Chalco Chango, who relies entirely on touch and auditory cues for mobility, was reportedly left unable to navigate his surroundings inside the facility. Advocacy groups say his isolation not only jeopardized his safety but also violated basic standards for the treatment of detainees with disabilities.
His sudden release marks a rare move by ICE, an agency known for prolonged detentions and strict custody protocols. Legal experts note that ICE seldom frees individuals once they are booked into detention, making this case an important example of mounting pressure on the system to reevaluate how vulnerable migrants are treated.
Immigration advocates argue that the incident highlights deeper structural problems—ranging from inadequate medical assessments to inconsistent compliance with disability-rights guidelines. They are now urging federal officials to investigate how someone with such clear accessibility needs could be placed in isolation without proper support.
For many observers, Chalco Chango’s release is both a relief and a reminder that the debate around detention standards is far from over. As scrutiny intensifies, the case may become a catalyst for broader reforms within the U.S. immigration detention system.
What's Your Reaction?
Like
0
Dislike
0
Love
0
Funny
0
Angry
0
Sad
0
Wow
0
