Advocacy for Rodney Taylor: Congressional Push for Release from Detention

Representative Pramila Jayapal, alongside 20 members of Congress, is advocating for the release of Rodney Taylor from the Stewart Detention Center in Georgia. This initiative comes weeks after the one-year anniversary of Taylor's detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside his home in Loganville, Georgia. The representatives expressed "grave concern" over Taylor's deteriorating health and extreme hardship in detention in a letter sent on February 17, 2026, to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons.

The Guardian

Rodney Taylor, a double amputee, faces significant health challenges while in detention, including improperly calibrated prosthetic legs, high blood pressure, and bone spurs. His wife, Mildred Danis-Taylor, reported that the conditions at Stewart are dire, with detainees lacking access to proper sanitation and having to crawl to showers that are described as moldy and unsanitary. Taylor's recent experiences include being denied assistance with meals, leading to further physical strain. Experts have noted the unusual nature of such a high-profile congressional effort for an ICE detainee, highlighting the severity of Taylor's situation.

The Guardian

Ryan Gustin, a spokesperson for CoreCivic, which operates Stewart Detention Center, stated that he could not comment on specific allegations due to medical privacy laws but emphasized the company's commitment to humane care. He denied the allegations regarding Taylor's treatment and the conditions described by his wife. ICE did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.

The Guardian

Rodney Taylor, now 47, was brought to the U.S. from Liberia as a child on a medical visa. He has undergone 16 surgeries and has been a community barber involved in cancer prevention efforts. His detention stems from a burglary conviction from his teenage years, which the state of Georgia pardoned in 2010. Despite having a pending application for U.S. residency, Taylor remains detained without bond, even with a habeas corpus petition filed since September 2025.

The Guardian

Experts, including Austin Kocher from Syracuse University, criticize ICE's lack of transparency regarding detainees with disabilities, suggesting that Taylor's case exemplifies systemic issues within immigration enforcement. The removal of oversight during the Trump administration has been cited as a contributing factor to the current treatment of detainees. Taylor's wife has reported spending significant amounts on phone calls to maintain contact, emphasizing the mental toll of his detention. Taylor himself expressed gratitude for the congressional advocacy but noted the difficulty of seeing a resolution to his situation.

The Guardian

• “These are repeated acts of dehumanization.” — Joseph Nwadiuko, Professor of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

The Guardian

• “it’s evidence for saying that ICE is, to put it crudely, out of control.” — Austin Kocher, Professor, Syracuse University

The Guardian

• “My body is deteriorating.” — Rodney Taylor, ICE Detainee

The Guardian

The congressional letter represents a significant push for Taylor's release, and the response from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security will be closely monitored as advocates continue to highlight the urgent need for humane treatment of detainees, particularly those with disabilities.

The Guardian