From Seattletimes · · 2m
Pregnant WA woman detained at asylum interview
ICE detains pregnant woman during supposed asylum interview, sparking concerns over immigration tactics.
In brief
ICE detains pregnant woman during supposed asylum interview, sparking concerns over immigration tactics. A pregnant woman in Washington state was detained by ICE during an asylum interview, later released but facing deportation proceedings while experiencing health complications. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Pregnant woman detained
Cece Mokua, 29, was detained at a Tacoma immigration center while going to an asylum interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Detained for hours
Mokua was held in a cold cell with concrete benches and offered noodle soup but refused it, experiencing contractions and a migraine.
Released without explanation
Mokua was told she was released at 12:45 p.m. but remained in deportation proceedings and would be picked up in Tukwila.
Pregnant woman's health risks
Mokua, five months pregnant, experienced contractions and a migraine while detained, with no medical assistance available.
Suspected ICE trap
Supporters believe Mokua walked into a trap: a supposed asylum interview that was a pretext for her arrest by ICE.
ICE enforcement tactics
ICE arrests people with pending asylum applications, despite past administrations not involving immigration enforcement with such cases.
Mokua's immigration history
Mokua came to the U.S. legally as a 15-year-old to escape female genital mutilation, finished high school in New Jersey, and earned a biology degree.
Family and support
Mokua's husband, Humphrey Oyoo, a green-card holder from Kenya, is a home healthcare aide and runs an adult family home for seniors.
Asylum application
Mokua applied for asylum based on her tribe's female genital mutilation practices, which she experienced as a child.
ICE's role in enforcement
ICE has arrested Kenyan physician Robert Sidhe, who was returning home from the gym, and has faced criticism for detaining pregnant immigrants.
Healthcare worker concerns
SEIU 775 expressed concern about ICE enforcement against healthcare workers, noting the shortage of caregivers in aging populations.
Detention conditions
Mokua described a filthy holding cell with no drinking water, leading to dehydration and health complications.
Release and next steps
Mokua was released but must attend a Monday check-in with ICE in Spokane, fearing another detention.
The short version
A pregnant woman in Washington state was detained by ICE during an asylum interview, later released but facing deportation proceedings while experiencing health complications.
