Aug 26, 2007Quickie Link: US Immigration Authorities Mistreat HIV+ Trans Woman?
By vanrozenheim
(USA) - An HIV-positive Mexican transgender woman died in US federal custody last month under dubious circumstances. LGBT organizations across the USA expressed outrage over Arellano’s death. Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund Executive Director Michael Silverman questioned other aspects of Arellano’s detention. He described ICE’s decision to house her in a male facility in its San Pedro facility as particularly problematic. "Clearly she was someone who was openly transgender and presented herself as a female," Silverman said. "There are a whole host of reasons to suggest abuse and outright refusal to provide care at play."
