Andriy Shepitsen, a 46-year-old Ukrainian national, has been held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody since December 2025. Currently detained at the Krome North Service Processing Center, he suffers from diagnosed bipolar disorder and various other mental health issues. Unfortunately, ICE has denied him essential medical care and psychiatric treatment, including necessary medications. This lack of support has led to a severe deterioration in his mental well-being.
Health Deterioration in Detention
Since his detention, Shepitsen has lost 46 pounds, and his health continues to decline. He now experiences dangerously low blood pressure and struggles to walk without assistance. Despite expressing suicidal thoughts to detention personnel multiple times, he has not received adequate mental health care. Even basic needs like electrolyte support have been denied.
Recent Protests and Requests for Help
In response to his dire situation, Shepitsen initiated a hunger strike on February 10, 2026. He demands urgent medical attention and his release from detention. Reports indicate that his life is at risk without immediate intervention.
Legal Proceedings and Procedural Failures
Shepitsen’s immigration case highlights significant procedural failures. His legal team submitted a request for humanitarian parole several months ago, but the authorities have not responded. Additionally, he missed his initial Master Calendar Hearing due to negligence in his transport to court, forcing the case to be rescheduled.
- Immigration bond request denied in January 2026.
- Competency hearing postponed from March 4 to April 17, 2026.
Despite evidence showing he poses no flight risk and requires urgent care, authorities have continued to obstruct his legal rights and access to medical assistance.
Systemic Issues in Krome Detention Center
Krome is located in Miami-Dade County and is one of the largest ice detention facilities in the U.S. It has faced longstanding criticism for its poor conditions. Reports detail overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and abuse of detainees.
Organizations like Amnesty International have cited serious failures in the facility, including:
- Delays in processing intake.
- Insufficient medical care.
- Prolonged solitary confinement.
- Limited access to legal counsel.
Tragically, at least five individuals have died in custody here since December 2024, highlighting the urgent need for reform.
Current Situation and Call to Action
As of February 2026, over 68,000 people are in ICE custody, with many enduring similar conditions to Shepitsen. At least 14 deaths have been recorded in ICE detention this year, underscoring the urgent necessity to improve care for detained individuals.
Immediate action is needed to address Shepitsen’s critical health situation and ensure proper medical and mental health treatment. Supporters are encouraged to contact Garrett J. Ripa, the Miami ICE Field Office Director, to advocate for his release and proper care.
Contact Information
To urge for urgent medical attention and release, please write to:
- Garrett J. Ripa
- Miami ICE Field Office Director
- 865 SW 78th Avenue, Suite 101
- Plantation, FL 33324, USA
Additionally, consider contacting His Excellency Peter Hoekstra, Ambassador, Embassy of the United States of America, to amplify the call for justice and proper care for Shepitsen and others in similar situations.
