A Texas immigration detention center is facing urgent calls for the release of a mother of five after she experienced severe health issues. Hayman El Gamal, who has been detained at the Dilley Detention Center for over ten months, recently sought emergency medical attention due to significant chest pain.
Medical Neglect and Emergency Care
On April 9, El Gamal was taken to the emergency room after experiencing “excruciating” pain, rated as an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10. She had previously requested a CT scan weeks prior due to a concerning lump in her chest but was denied this essential test by center officials. Court documents from her attorney, Eric Lee, reveal that a physician had originally recommended the CT scan, but it was overruled by higher authorities in the detention facility.
A subsequent CT scan conducted during her ER visit revealed fluid around her heart, known as pericardial effusion. Despite the findings, further testing recommendations, including an ultrasound, were rejected by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE.
Ongoing Legal Challenges
El Gamal and her five children were detained on June 3 after her ex-husband, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was arrested in connection with serious criminal charges. They have been held in Dilley longer than any other family, despite legal mandates that prevent the detention of children beyond 20 days. Lee is advocating for the reunification of El Gamal with her oldest daughter, Habiba Soliman, who turned 18 in June and was separated from the family during detention.
- Family Details: El Gamal has five children, aged 5 to 18.
- Date of Detention: June 3.
- Duration of Detention: Over 10 months.
- Health Issues: Fluids surrounding the heart and severe pain.
Concerns Over Medical Care
El Gamal’s medical care has been a subject of intense scrutiny. Lee highlighted that El Gamal’s requests were often met with inadequate responses, primarily pain relief medication such as ibuprofen, rather than comprehensive medical evaluations. Medical experts have assessed her condition, expressing deep concern that the negligence of the facility staff places her life in jeopardy.
Dr. Amy Zeidan from Emory University emphasized the need for thorough testing due to the potential seriousness of her condition. Other specialists echoed these sentiments, recommending various tests to investigate possible cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Testimonies from Within Detention
The family has recounted alarming incidents of medical neglect in the detention center. Habiba Soliman shared that they initially hesitated to seek medical help for fear of inadequate care, having seen others in distress receive little to no assistance. A younger brother suffered from untreated appendicitis, which only received proper attention after he exhibited severe symptoms.
El Gamal’s plight has drawn national attention, and legal representatives continue to file motions for her and her children’s release. The family remains at the mercy of a complex immigration system that poses additional challenges to their already precarious situation.
Conclusion
The case of Hayman El Gamal reflects broader issues surrounding healthcare and treatment in immigration detention facilities. As advocates press for her release, the urgency of her medical needs cannot be overlooked. The situation remains unresolved, with ongoing legal battles and allegations of neglect that raise serious ethical concerns within the immigration system.
