Full Breakdown
Medical Neglect in ICE Detention: The Cases of Greggy Sorio and Ofelia Torres
2/17/2026, 6:41:37 AM
Greggy Sorio's Medical Crisis in Detention
A federal judge has ordered the release of Greggy Sorio, a 67-year-old Filipino man, from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Tacoma, Washington, citing a "pattern of failures" in his medical care that led to severe health complications. Judge Tana Lin of the Western District of Washington ruled that Sorio's treatment constituted unconstitutional punishment, as he suffered from ulcerative colitis, a kidney injury, and ultimately underwent two partial foot amputations due to a bone infection. Sorio had been detained since March 2025 after being released from prison in Alaska.
Sorio's health deteriorated significantly during his detention. He reported severe abdominal pain and blood in his stool as early as July 2025 but was denied timely medical attention. Despite his repeated requests for hospitalization, he was not referred to a specialist until November. By October, his condition had worsened to the point where he was in extreme pain and required hospitalization, where he was diagnosed with a bone infection. Judge Lin criticized the medical staff's failure to provide appropriate care, stating that Sorio's suffering was preventable.
Ongoing Health Challenges
After his release, Sorio expressed concerns about his ongoing health issues, stating, "My colitis can turn into colon cancer if I don’t take care of it. It’s a lifetime disease." He fears that if he is detained again, he may not survive due to inadequate medical care. Sorio's criminal history includes convictions for domestic violence and theft, but he emphasized his desire to move forward, stating, "I did my time on it and I’m a better person now."
The Case of Ofelia Torres
In a separate but related incident, 16-year-old Ofelia Torres, who advocated for her father's release from ICE detention while battling cancer, passed away from Stage 4 alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Her father, Ruben Torres Maldonado, was detained in October 2025 during a crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Ofelia's efforts to secure her father's release included a public video appeal, where she described her father as a hardworking individual targeted by immigration enforcement.
A judge ruled shortly before Ofelia's death that Torres Maldonado was entitled to a cancellation of removal, which could lead to his lawful permanent residency. This ruling highlighted the intersection of immigration enforcement and family hardship, particularly for families with U.S.-born children.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Lin's ruling in Sorio's case emphasized the inadequacies of medical care in ICE facilities, noting that the conditions of Sorio's detention had become punitive. Meanwhile, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson defended the agency's actions regarding Torres Maldonado, citing his criminal history and non-compliance during arrest.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of ICE's practices have pointed to these cases as emblematic of broader systemic issues within the immigration detention system. Advocates argue that inadequate medical care and harsh detention conditions disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including immigrants with health issues and families facing separation.
What's Next
Both Sorio and Torres Maldonado face uncertain futures. Sorio's removal order remains in place, and he may still face deportation due to his criminal record. Torres Maldonado will continue through the immigration process following the recent ruling, but the emotional toll on his family remains significant after Ofelia's passing.
