ICE Arrest of Breastfeeding Mother Seeking Asylum Sparks Calls for Release

Nashville, TN, July 29, 2026 —

A breastfeeding mother of two, who is seeking asylum from domestic violence, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Nashville. The mother, who has a child with Down syndrome, is currently being detained in Louisiana.

Organizations advocating for immigrant rights and protections are calling for her immediate release. These groups cite an ICE policy that generally prohibits the detention of nursing mothers. The specific details regarding the circumstances of her arrest and the status of her asylum claim were not immediately available.

The policy in question, often referred to as the “Interim Guidance for the Review of Detention Decision,” aims to limit the detention of vulnerable populations, including nursing mothers. The guidance suggests that detention should be a measure of last resort for these individuals.

Advocates argue that the mother’s situation falls under the protections outlined in this policy. They emphasize the importance of keeping nursing mothers with their children, particularly given the potential health implications for both the mother and the infant. The child with Down syndrome may also have specific health needs that require consistent care from the mother.

The current location of the mother in Louisiana is a significant distance from where she was apprehended in Nashville, raising concerns about the logistical and emotional challenges this separation poses for her and her children.

ICE has not released a detailed statement regarding this specific case, but the agency’s general stance is to conduct enforcement within the bounds of federal law and policy. Further information regarding the legal proceedings and the status of her detention is expected.

Story summarized from the original created by Li Cohen on www.wsmv.com, see more information here.

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