Federal Judge Orders ICE to Release Filipino Man After 'Pattern of Failures' in Medical Care

The man's rights were violated after inappropriate medical treatment 'more likely than not' led to extreme pain and two partial foot amputation surgeries, the judge said.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A federal judge in Washington ordered the release of a Filipino man, Greggy Sorio, from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility, citing a 'pattern of failures' in his medical care that 'more likely than not resulted in the extreme pain and permanent disability' of two partial foot amputations. The judge found that Sorio's constitutional rights were violated due to the 'unreasonable treatment' he received while detained.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the medical care provided to detainees in ICE facilities, with the judge finding a 'pattern of failures' that led to severe health consequences for Sorio. It raises questions about oversight and accountability for the treatment of immigrants in detention.

The details

Sorio, a lawful permanent resident who entered the U.S. in 2007, was detained by ICE in March after being released from prison. While detained at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, his health declined significantly, leading to two partial foot amputation surgeries, ulcerative colitis, blood loss, a kidney injury, vitamin D deficiency, and dramatic weight loss. The judge found that Sorio's requests to be sent to the hospital were repeatedly denied, despite his severe symptoms.

  • In July, Sorio complained of blood in his stool, severe abdominal pain and yellowing of his skin, but was denied requests to be sent to the hospital.
  • By October, Sorio said he was 'in extreme pain and could barely walk' and was sent to the hospital after several hours of waiting.
  • On October 22, Sorio was determined to have a bone infection and went through two amputation surgeries.

The players

Greggy Sorio

A Filipino man who was detained by ICE at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington, and whose health declined significantly while in detention, leading to two partial foot amputations and other medical issues.

Judge Tana Lin

A federal judge in the Western District of Washington who ordered Sorio's release from ICE detention, finding that the 'unreasonable treatment' he received violated his constitutional rights.

Department of Homeland Security

The government agency that oversees ICE and was responsible for Sorio's detention and medical care.

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What they’re saying

“If they had sent me to the hospital in July when I was begging them, I wouldn't lose my foot. It's preventable. They could have prevented this.”

— Greggy Sorio (NBC's Seattle affiliate)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security will likely face increased scrutiny and calls for reform regarding the medical care provided to detainees in ICE facilities following this ruling.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious consequences that can result from inadequate medical care for immigrants in detention, and underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability to ensure the constitutional rights of detainees are protected.