Katsiaryna Bartko, a 33-year-old thyroid cancer survivor and Belarusian asylum seeker, has been held in ICE custody since June 4. According to medical records reviewed by Newsweek, she was hospitalized three times in her first four days in detention, including an emergency visit for critically low calcium — a condition that can cause seizures and heart complications.
Bartko entered the U.S. legally on an F-1 student visa in March 2022 and filed for asylum on February 2, 2023 — within her first year here and before her student status was terminated, according to immigration records. Her asylum claim is based on her political activity in Belarus: she reportedly participated in the 2020 pro-democracy movement in Minsk, was involved with opposition networks, and later opposed Belarus’ support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A support letter from a Belarusian democratic organization warned she could face arrest and persecution if returned. “She basically followed all the rules regarding the immigration law,” her partner said. “And she filed for asylum within the first year of her legal presence on United States soil.”
Her partner, Dmitry Shyshov, sent us his comments on the situation, saying she depends on daily hormone medication and calcium supplements following her cancer treatment, and alleging there were stretches of days when she went without them in custody. “Without the proper attention to this matter, she may literally die in detention without medications,” he told Newsweek. Authorities have disputed the allegations, stating she is receiving proper medical care.
Her bond hearing is scheduled for today, July 22. Advocates are calling for greater transparency and accountability, while her medical care and the circumstances of her detention remain subjects of public scrutiny.
Newsweek article:
https://www.newsweek.com/cancer-survivor-hospitalized-three-times-in-ice-custody-records-show-12204981GoFundMe for Katsiaryna Bartko:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/belarusian-asylum-seeker-denied-medicine-in-ice-detention#ice #breakingnews #usnews #belarus #iceabuse