Guatemalan National with Homicide Warrant Received Extensive Medical Attention, DHS Confirms
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released a detailed rebuttal to claims made by Iris Dayana Monterroso-Lemus, a Guatemalan national who alleged inadequate medical and prenatal care while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.
DHS stated unequivocally that Monterroso-Lemus, who has a history of child abuse arrests and an active homicide warrant in Guatemala, received comprehensive medical attention during her detention.
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Monterroso-Lemus had publicly claimed that ICE provided no medical treatment or prenatal care, attributing a pregnancy loss to the alleged neglect. However, DHS provided a point-by-point refutation of her assertions, backed by what they describe as thorough documentation.
Dispelling the Claims:
Claim: “They didn’t give me medical attention, nowhere, not in Louisiana, not in Alabama.” DHS Response: FALSE. Monterroso-Lemus received prenatal care, including an ultrasound and OB-GYN visit, dental care, and medication. She was also admitted to a hospital and saw multiple nurses.
Claim: “Asked for ultrasound and only tested for blood pressure and urine.” DHS Response: FALSE. She received prenatal care, including a fetal doppler ultrasound.
Claim: “Thought she was having a stroke, but they didn’t give her medical exam.” DHS Response: FALSE. As soon as she identified the distress on April 29, ICE provided immediate medical assistance.
Claim: “Begged to go to hospital, but was told no.” DHS Response: FALSE. ICE sent her to a hospital immediately to receive medical care.
Claim: “In Alabama, I was sleeping on the floor.” DHS Response: FALSE. She was not required to sleep on the floor and had a bed in her cell.
Claim: “She was starving and not getting the nutrients she needed. Spaghetti had cockroaches.” DHS Response: FALSE. All ICE New Orleans detainees are provided appropriate dietician-cleared menus daily, per ICE Performance Based National Detention Standards.
Claim: “Mistreatment and mocking from guards.” DHS Response: FALSE. DHS states there is no record of a grievance filed by the detainee regarding such allegations.
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Detainee’s Background Highlighted
DHS further highlighted Monterroso-Lemus’s criminal history, noting she was arrested twice for child abuse/neglect by the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office. She is also wanted on an active warrant for homicide in Guatemala. Monterroso-Lemus reportedly entered the U.S. illegally in 2018 and was deported back to Guatemala on May 9, 2025.
“This reporting is absolutely FALSE. Iris Dayana Monterroso-Lemus had FULL medical, prenatal care,” stated DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “We have documentation to show it. Iris Dayana Monterroso-Lemus, 37, is a citizen of Guatemala who has been arrested multiple times for child abuse and is wanted on an active warrant for homicide.”
The DHS statement aims to provide clarity and correct what it considers to be misinformation surrounding the medical care provided to Monterroso-Lemus during her detention.
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