The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Virginia has filed an emergency petition in a US federal court on behalf of a pregnant Ghanaian woman and her four-year-old son who have reportedly been detained at Washington Dulles International Airport for more than a week.

According to court filings, 38-year-old Anabella Gyasi arrived in the United States on May 19, 2026, with her son to seek medical treatment for a hand disability affecting the child. The pair held tourist visas valid until April 2028 and had a scheduled appointment at Akron Children’s Hospital in Ohio on May 30.

The ACLU said US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers questioned Gyasi about fears of persecution in Ghana. After she disclosed concerns linked to her son’s disability, authorities allegedly classified her as an asylum applicant and moved to cancel her tourist visa.

The rights group claims Gyasi and her son have since been held in a windowless room at the airport without adequate medical care or food. Court documents also state that Gyasi, who is pregnant, was twice taken to hospital after experiencing health complications linked to stress and high blood pressure.

The Department of Homeland Security denied the allegations, insisting the pair have access to medical care, food and other necessities while in custody pending immigration proceedings.

The ACLU argues the detention violates their constitutional rights and is seeking their immediate release to allow the child to receive medical treatment. A federal judge has ordered US officials to justify the detention by Thursday morning.

Source: The Washington Post