Ghanaian Mother and Child Ordered Deported After Detention at U.S. Airport A pregnant Ghanaian woman and her young son, who had arrived in the United States on valid visas, were ordered deported and are set to return to Africa after spending over a week in detention at a Washington airport, their lawyers reported. The couple, Annabella Gyasi, 38, and her son, who was born with severely malformed hands, had been held in a windowless detention room following their arrival at Washington Dulles International Airport on May 19. Gyasi had traveled to the U.S. to attend a medical appointment for her son, according to a petition filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia. Both she and her son were in possession of valid visas, but immigration officers detained them after Gyasi claimed they faced persecution in Ghana and feared returning to the country. The lawyers representing the family stated that Gyasi and her son had repeatedly asked for food during their detention but were not provided additional meals. The Department of Homeland Security disputed the claims, asserting that all individuals in custody have access to appropriate care, including medical evaluations, medication, and food. Gyasi, however, experienced significant health complications during her detention, including vaginal bleeding and high blood pressure, which required two hospitalizations. Her lawyers said she felt compelled to agree to leave the U.S. after these medical issues arose. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued an order on Friday allowing Gyasi and her son to return home, stating that the welfare of the petitioners and the interests of justice were best served by their immediate departure.#ghana #annabella_gyasi #american_civil_liberties_union_virginia #mary_bauer #washington_dulles_international_airport
