The United States government deported 363 pregnant, postpartum, or nursing women between January 1, 2025, and February 16, 2026, according to data released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in response to a request from U.S. Senators. This figure represents a significant, and increasingly scrutinized, aspect of the Biden administration’s broader immigration enforcement policies. The deportations, coupled with reports of inadequate medical care within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities, are raising concerns among human rights advocates and medical professionals about the well-being of vulnerable populations and their families.
The data, initially obtained through a query led by Senator Patty Murray, reveals a system grappling with the complexities of providing adequate care while simultaneously pursuing heightened border security. As of February 16, 2026, ICE was holding 86 pregnant detainees, nine of whom were in their final trimester. Disturbingly, 16 miscarriages were recorded within ICE detention centers during the previous year, ending in late September 2025. These numbers underscore the inherent risks associated with detaining pregnant individuals, a practice that medical experts warn can exacerbate existing health vulnerabilities.
Rising Concerns Over Medical Care in ICE Detention
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has repeatedly emphasized the significant risks to health posed by detaining pregnant and postpartum people. ACOG’s committee statement details the potential for complications, including preterm labor, miscarriage, and postpartum depression. Despite DHS assertions that pregnant women in ICE custody have access to adequate medical care, mounting evidence suggests otherwise.
Numerous media investigations and reports from organizations like the ACLU and Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) paint a starkly different picture. HuffPost, The Nashville Banner, and the ACLU have documented instances of delayed or denied medical attention, inadequate prenatal care, and even instances of medical neglect. A recent report from Physicians for Human Rights and the Women’s Refugee Commission alleges that ICE is separating families and denying necessary care to pregnant women, violating its own stated policies.
The lack of comprehensive data collection further complicates the situation. DHS acknowledges that ICE does not fully track the number of lactating women in detention, making it difficult to assess the impact of detention on breastfeeding mothers and their infants. Separating infants from their mothers, particularly those who are breastfeeding, is widely recognized as deeply disruptive and potentially harmful to both.
“Booked Out” – Where Are They Now?
The DHS response also revealed that 498 “pregnant, postpartum and nursing aliens” were “booked out” of ICE custody between January 2025 and February 2026. However, the agency stated it does not know whether these individuals were deported, released, or transported for medical appointments. This lack of clarity raises further questions about the fate of these vulnerable women and the transparency of ICE’s operations.
ICE’s own policy, outlined in a release issued in February 2026, states that the agency “generally does not detain, arrest, or take into custody aliens known to be pregnant, postpartum, or nursing for an administrative violation of immigration laws unless release is prohibited by law or for exceptional circumstances.” The policy acknowledges the availability of alternatives to detention, such as ankle monitors or regular check-ins, which allow individuals to remain at home while their immigration cases are processed. However, advocates argue that these alternatives are not consistently applied, and that many pregnant and postpartum women are unnecessarily detained.
Senator Murray’s Response and Ongoing Oversight
Senator Patty Murray has been a vocal critic of ICE’s handling of pregnant detainees. Following the release of the DHS response, she issued a statement expressing her frustration with the “inadequate” information provided and calling for greater transparency, and accountability. “The lack of clarity only emphasizes the path to a better solution: ensure that immigration officials fully follow US immigration, constitutional, and international human rights law,” Murray stated.
The debate over ICE’s policies regarding pregnant detainees highlights a broader tension between immigration enforcement and humanitarian concerns. The increasing number of deportations, coupled with reports of inadequate medical care, raises serious questions about the administration’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of vulnerable populations. The situation also underscores the need for comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the root causes of migration and provides a pathway to citizenship for those who qualify.
The next significant development in this issue is expected in late April 2026, when Senator Murray has requested a follow-up briefing from DHS officials on the implementation of the agency’s policy regarding pregnant and postpartum detainees. This briefing will provide an opportunity to press for greater transparency and accountability, and to explore potential solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of these vulnerable individuals.
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