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Fernando V.R.: Detainee with suspected prostate cancer denied specialist care at ICE facility

Fernando Viera Reyes, 50, showed signs of prostate cancer with PSA levels rising from 6.3 to 74 but was given only Flomax and vitamin C. He joined a class-action lawsuit over medical neglect at the CoreCivic facility.

Feb 6, 2026California City, CA

Fernando V.R.: Detainee with suspected prostate cancer denied specialist care at ICE facility
Photo via ACLU of Indiana

Fernando Viera Reyes, a 50-year-old detainee transferred to California City ICE Detention Facility in August 2025, was denied specialist care despite showing symptoms of prostate cancer. While at a previous ICE facility, Viera Reyes had been scheduled for a urologist-recommended prostate biopsy in March 2025. After his transfer, despite experiencing bloody urine, pain, difficulty urinating, and blood in stool, medical staff provided only Flomax intermittently and vitamin C instead of connecting him with a urologist. His PSA levels rose from 6.3 to 74 between January and October 2025, indicating very high likelihood of prostate cancer. A medical expert review described his treatment as "a complete dereliction of duty." On November 12, 2025, Viera Reyes filed an emergency motion and joined seven other detainees in a class-action lawsuit against the Trump administration alleging severe medical neglect at the privately-owned CoreCivic facility. By February 2026, the case was being heard in federal court in San Francisco.

Timeline

Feb 6, 2026—Class-action lawsuit being heard in federal court in San Francisco
Nov 12, 2025—Viera Reyes filed emergency motion and joined class-action lawsuit against Trump administration alleging medical neglect at CoreCivic facility
Oct 31, 2025—PSA levels rose to 74; Viera Reyes experiencing bloody urine, pain, difficulty urinating, and blood in stool; denied specialist referral and prescribed only Flomax and vitamin C
Aug 1, 2025—Viera Reyes transferred to California City ICE Detention Facility
Mar 1, 2025—Viera Reyes scheduled for urologist-recommended prostate biopsy at Golden State Annex
Jan 1, 2025—PSA levels recorded at 6.3
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