Javier Abreu-Vasquez, a Dominican Republic national with a U.S.-assigned alien registration number, was detained by ICE agents in Rochester, Minnesota, on February 5, 2026, while delivering groceries for a church mutual aid network. Witnesses reported his car being rammed and a window broken during the arrest. He was initially held at the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis.
Medication Denial Concerns
Post-kidney transplant, Abreu-Vasquez urgently needs specific medications. His family, aided by Minnesota Rep. Kim Hicks (D), delivered them along with documentation. However:
- An attorney was denied access and told a medical note was required.
- After obtaining and sending the note, family heard conflicting info: officials claimed he was already medicated.
- Hicks later reported he’s not receiving meds on time, calling it a “game of telephone” that endangers his life.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin countered that ICE provides “comprehensive medical care” from intake, is coordinating with family, and noted this is often the best care detainees have had. DHS didn’t respond to further PEOPLE inquiries by February 8.
Current Status and Transfer
Abreu-Vasquez told family he was being shipped to a Texas facility the next day, but his attorney couldn’t confirm. His wife, Carolina Rosario De Abreu, expressed frustration over unclear updates. Hicks advocates for his release back to Minnesota, describing him as a valued community member.
This case highlights tensions in ICE custody medical protocols, immigrant rights monitoring via alien registration numbers, and local vs. federal responses. For official updates, check ICE’s detainee locator or DHS statements.
