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Minnesota Woman Detained in El Paso Faces Urgent Medical Crisis with Ovarian Cyst

El Paso Matters•Monday, April 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM•Robert Moore

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Andrea Pedro Francisco, a 23-year-old woman from Guatemala, was detained by ICE in El Paso just days before her scheduled surgery for an ovarian cyst. The cyst has grown to the size of a tennis ball, causing severe pain and complications, which have drawn attention from human rights advocates and lawmakers. Despite her pending asylum claim and lack of a criminal record, she has received inadequate medical care while in custody. Her attorney is seeking humanitarian parole for her release due to the urgent medical situation, but ICE has not responded to this request. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of detainees in immigration facilities.

Key Details: • Pedro Francisco was detained on February 5, 2023, just days before her surgery on February 11. • Her ovarian cyst has grown significantly, causing severe pain and extended menstrual bleeding. • ICE has acknowledged her condition but has been criticized for the quality of medical care provided. • Humanitarian parole is being sought for her release due to her medical condition, but no response has been received from ICE.

immigration human-rights detention asylum medical-care

People & Organizations

El PasoFort BlissU.S. District CourtICEMinnesotaBurnsvilleAngie CraigAndrea Pedro FranciscoRuby PowersAsra SyedDeb White

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