Diabetic woman detained by ICE at green card interview; had no access to insulin for four days; somebody uses her credit card

HONOLULU — A woman who recently spent time visiting family in Hawaiʻi says she was unexpectedly arrested by federal immigration agents during what she believed would be a routine green card interview and then held for nine days without proper medical care. Her account, shared widely on social media, has drawn millions of views.

Hanne Engan said she had been enjoying her visit to Hawaiʻi — including playing beach volleyball at Queens in Waikīkī — before returning to San Diego for her scheduled immigration appointment. She said she had no indication there would be any problems with her application.

According to Engan, the interview appeared to proceed normally until its conclusion, when she was informed that agents outside wanted to speak with her. She said officers wearing vests and carrying firearms entered and placed her under arrest. Engan acknowledged that she had overstayed her visa and was taken to the Otay Mesa Detention Center, where she remained for nine days.

Engan, who has Type 1 diabetes and requires daily insulin, alleges that she was denied necessary medication during the first four days of her detention. She said she repeatedly informed officials that she could not safely eat without insulin but claims her requests were ignored. She reported that she did not see a doctor until the fourth day and that her blood sugar levels rose above 500, a potentially life-threatening condition. Engan said she lost about 10 pounds during her time in custody and felt physically weak upon release.

In addition to concerns about medical care, Engan alleges that her personal belongings were mishandled. She said a credit card kept in her purse was used while she was detained and shared what she described as documentation of fraudulent transactions.

Since her release, Engan has posted videos recounting her experience on Instagram, saying the posts have garnered nearly 30 million views. Her deportation case was dismissed on Jan. 26, and while she is not yet a U.S. citizen, she currently has legal authorization to remain in the country.

Island News has contacted the Department of Homeland Security for comment regarding her allegations and is awaiting a response.

Source: ISLAND NEWS