Ugandan nonprofit founder with sickle cell disease detained by ICE, denied medication
Sarafinah Bukirwa, 31, a Ugandan woman living in Louisville and founder of the Sarafinah Sickle Cell Society nonprofit, was detained by ICE agents at Muhammad Ali International Airport while traveling to a sickle cell conference in California, one day after being hospitalized for a sickle cell crisis. Bukirwa entered the U.S. legally, has a pending asylum claim and valid work authorization, and has never been charged with a crime. She was transferred to Grayson County Detention Center, where she says she lost consciousness in a van with no air conditioning, was physically restrained, had a stimulant held over her face, and had her hijab removed in front of male officers. Her brother, Isaac Kabunga, said she was denied her prescribed medication for nearly a week despite having it with her, with doses allegedly diluted in water; her physician warned of risks including severe infection, stroke, organ damage and death without proper care. U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey called for her release and confirmed her attorneys filed a habeas corpus motion, while the Grayson County Jailer maintains she is receiving all prescribed medications.











