Texas Rep. Al Green called for continued medical care for transgender immigrants held in ICE detention facilities. He criticized federal policies that ended specialized care and removed protections for transgender detainees. Green argued that detention should not prevent access to necessary treatment, including hormones. His remarks also highlighted concerns involving a transgender Houston community leader in ICE custody.
Green opened by reading from a letter raising concerns about conditions inside ICE detention facilities. He said specialized medical care had stopped at least 10 detention centers nationwide. The Trump administration had also ended a Biden-era policy reserving detention units for transgender women.
A Houston community member then discussed Sam Rivas, a transgender Latino community leader currently in ICE detention. The speaker said Rivas requested testosterone as part of his ongoing medical care. Officials offered to contact his clinic but made no promises.
The resident argued that detention should not mean losing access to necessary medical care. He also questioned whether transgender detainees would receive hormones, have their identities respected, and remain safe.
Green returned to the government’s responsibility for people in its custody. He compared their treatment with medical aid provided to wounded enemies and people accused of crimes.
“Medical attention should not be denied any person,” Green said, especially because of who they are. He noted that incarcerated people routinely receive treatment for other illnesses and health needs. Transgender detainees, he argued, should not become an exception.
Al Green Faces Backlash Over Hormone Treatment for ICE Detainees
Green’s push drew criticism over taxpayer costs and whether hormone treatment should be provided to immigrants in federal detention.
“It is not life sustaining care. Dumb waste of taxpayer money,” one user wrote. Another questioned Green’s priorities: “Are you kidding? THIS is what a Texas Congressman is worried about? How about focusing on issues of American citizens for a change?”
The cost argument continued across other responses. “They shouldn’t have come here. They can pay for it themselves. No more freebies for illegals,” one user stated.
Another wrote, “Excuse me, sir, but I don’t want to pay for that. I’m a citizen of this country and I should get to choose where my hard-earned money goes…this ain’t it.”
Green is seeking continued medical care for transgender immigrants while they remain in federal custody. Whether detention policies governing that care will change remains unresolved.
