Zharick Daniela Buitrago Ortiz is a 21-year-old woman who is eight months pregnant. She is now staring down the bleak possibility of forced removal from the United States. In a precarious state of health, she is to be deported back to Colombia on Wednesday afternoon. Last November, Buitrago Ortiz and her mother made the trek across the Texas border. They were fleeing persecution in Guatemala after her father was murdered for advocating against corruption, as she reported in a “credible fear” interview.
Buitrago Ortiz’s well-being has prompted serious alarm. She’s now having a lot of abdominal pain and back pain with nausea and vomiting on top of that. Her mother has notified Anthony Enriquez, vice-president of U.S. advocacy and litigation at the Kennedy Human Rights Center, about her daughter’s deteriorating health. As part of its work on behalf of Buitrago Ortiz, the center has joined her legal fight.
“We’re doing everything we can to get her the medical care she requires urgently,” Enriquez continued.
The urgency from the Kennedy Human Rights Center reflects the serious consequences of inaction in response to Buitrago Ortiz’s situation. They are intending to file an appeal to keep the status quo in place. Their hope is to ensure she gets the medical treatment she urgently needs before any deportation takes place.
We are moving very urgently to get a complaint on file. We’re hoping this step can further maintain the status quo and get our client the medical care she needs, Storytelling is super impactful, Enriquez said.
Buitrago Ortiz’s mother was given a credible fear interview and permitted to register an application for asylum. Sadly, her daughter had not been afforded the same chance. Enriquez pointed out that Buitrago Ortiz was not given that same treatment and was instead given an order of expedited removal.
“The former policy is that pregnant women typically should not be detained by ICE,” he said.
Nonprofits, engaged philanthropists, as well as community, urban, and transportation advocates are increasingly crying foul over this story. They are especially worried about the health of Buitrago Ortiz and her fetus. With pressing medical issues and the looming threat of deportation, her case highlights the complexities involved in immigration policy, especially regarding vulnerable populations.