Yari R.M.: Cancer patient held by ICE over a year loses 60 pounds
Arbella "Yari" Rodríguez Márquez, 47, has spent over a year at Eloy Detention Center with leukemia, losing 60 pounds. Arizona lawmakers and Rep. Yassamin Ansari are now asking ICE to release her.
Feb 10, 2025Eloy, AZ

Arbella "Yari" Rodríguez Márquez, a 47-year-old lawful permanent resident with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, has now spent more than a year at Eloy Detention Center, where she has lost 60 pounds and reportedly experiences anemia and vomiting blood. Three dozen Arizona state legislators from the LGBTQIA caucus have asked ICE to release her on humanitarian grounds, and U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, who visited her in September, has written to Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons seeking her release. ICE disputes claims of inadequate care, saying she has been seen by medical staff 13 times and has an upcoming offsite medical appointment. An immigration judge revoked her green card after her initial detention in February 2025.
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Sources
- Cancer Patient Detained by ICE in Arizona Sparks Outrage
Breezy Scroll·Sep 6, 2025·archived copy
- Phoenix woman with leukemia has been without medical care in ICE detention for 7 months
Copper Courier·Sep 11, 2025·archived copy
- Yassamin for Congress - AZPM: Arizona lawmakers call on ICE to release woman with leukemia from Eloy Detention Center
Yassamin For Congress·May 1, 2026
- KTAR
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