FOIA documents reveal inadequate prenatal care for ICE-detained mother after stillbirth

Iris Dayana Monterroso Lemus, a Guatemalan detained by ICE, lost her unborn child at about 23 weeks while held at Richwood Correctional Center. In response to her claims of insufficient medical attention, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin declared that she had received full prenatal care, including an ultrasound and OB-GYN visit. However, Freedom of Information Act documents indicate she only saw a nurse, received a fetal doppler, and had no documented ultrasound or specialist appointment, with internal timelines labeling her care as “non-compliance.”

Medical experts say such gaps likely contributed to the stillbirth, and Senator Patty Murray condemned the administration’s handling of pregnant detainees. The case occurs amid reports that the Trump administration detained more pregnant women than prior administrations, despite a 2021 ICE directive advising against it, and legislative efforts to prohibit such detention remain stalled in committee.