Lari López, a 25-year-old Cuban woman, is currently held by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Texas, awaiting deportation. This follows her allegations of physical abuse by immigration officers during her arrest at the southern U.S. border. Her fiancé, Gerdys López, reported that she was apprehended on May 2nd after entering the country. He claims that immigration officers forcefully pushed her, causing her to fall and suffer a leg fracture that required surgery.
From the detention center where she is confined, Lari shared her experience with Telemundo 51. "My leg twisted, and I heard a noise like my knee breaking. I fell to the ground, terrified, because I couldn't feel my leg, just an intense pain," she recounted.
Allegations of Negligence and Mistreatment
Following her fall, Lari claims the agents downplayed her condition. "They dragged me, telling me it wasn't that bad, that I could walk. They kept saying, 'walk, walk, it's not that bad, you can walk, walk,'" she detailed. Her partner accused the officers of ignoring her pleas and pain, insisting she could walk while using excessive force to drag her.
After enduring several hours without medical attention, Lari was eventually seen by a doctor. According to Gerdys, the diagnosis was a tibia fracture near the knee, necessitating surgical intervention. "She had surgery, and they inserted steel pins into her tibia bone," he explained. "The doctor diagnosed her after 60 days, which puts her at great risk of her leg stiffening."
Ongoing Health Concerns Amid Deportation Fears
Despite her fragile condition, with her "leg full of metal," Lari was transported for 16 hours to Louisiana to be deported. "When she was about to board the plane to be sent back to Cuba, the doctor intervened, stating she couldn't travel, forcing them to return her on a bus for more hours, without pain medication," Gerdys recounted.
Currently, Lari is recovering from a second surgery while still under ICE custody. In an official statement, the agency confirmed her detention, stating, "We can confirm she is in ICE custody pending deportation. We cannot disclose details of her medical history without a signed privacy waiver from her."
The young woman and her fiancé fear she may be deported to Cuba or a third country without receiving the comprehensive medical care her situation demands.
Questions About Lari López's Situation and ICE Procedures
What are the allegations made by Lari López against ICE officers?
Lari López alleges that ICE officers used excessive force during her arrest, causing her to fall and fracture her leg, which required surgical intervention.
What medical procedures has Lari López undergone since her arrest?
She has undergone surgery to insert steel pins in her tibia due to a fracture near her knee. A second surgery has also been performed while she remains in ICE custody.
What are the main concerns regarding her potential deportation?
The primary concern is that she might be deported to Cuba or another country without receiving the necessary medical treatment for her injuries.