FREE MARLON VAZ: We Demand Medical Release from ICE Detention

Release Marlon Vaz so that he can obtain necessary medical treatment, which ICE has failed to provide for three years despite his diagnosis of Bell's Palsy, a result of a botched dental surgery in an ICE facility that was run by Corrections Corporation of America (CCA).

Marlon Francisco Vaz (A#205132331) has been in ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement) custody since January 21, 2012. On March 12, 2012, while detained at the now closed North Georgia Detention Center, an immigration facility run by Corrections Corporations of America (CCA), Marlon underwent a tooth extraction surgery that has left half of his face paralyzed. Immediately after the surgery, Marlon began to experience droopiness in his right eye, and loss of feeling and muscle control over the right side of his face. Instead of releasing him so that he can acquire medical attention, ICE has ignored the severity of the permanent damage of his condition and has failed to provide proper medical treatment. Less than seven days after the botched surgery, ICE ordered him deported on March 19, 2012, without him seeing an Immigration Judge. ICE has pressured the Brazilian government to issue travel documents, while threatening Marlon with criminal prosecution for "not aiding in his removal." In addition to the denial of medical care, Marlon’s requests for medical release from custody have also been ignored as ICE continues to hold him, and his health continues to deteriorate. We demand that Marlon Vaz is released so that he could receive adequate medical attention.