‘They treat us like cattle’: Double amputee speaks out after 15 months in Georgia ICE detention

NORCROSS, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A double amputee is speaking out for the first time since his release from ICE detention after spending more than 15 months at a south Georgia facility.

Rodney Taylor came to the U.S. on a legal medical visa at 2 years old that lapsed over time. He was recently released from the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin County. His family and attorneys say his health deteriorated due to medical neglect at the facility.

READ: Families, lawmakers raise alarm over conditions inside Georgia ICE facilities

“A month ago, I wouldn’t believe I’d be here right now. So, you know, it’s a blessing from the Lord,” said Taylor.

He describes what he calls “dangerously inadequate” health care, inhumane conditions and a facility not made for people with disabilities like himself.

He said he was unable to charge his prosthetic legs inside the facility which made it nearly impossible to get around.

Those are claims that representatives for ICE and the Stewart Detention Center have denied.

He also claims the air conditioner would go out in the hot summer months and he would go without food for several days as he was unable to walk to their meals. He said sometimes it would take two weeks to see a nurse and another two weeks to see a doctor.

Taylor’s detention was tied to a burglary conviction from when he was a teenager. He was later pardoned by the state parole board, but under federal immigration law, that pardon may not matter.

Taylor spoke on his experience at the Asian Americans Advancing Justice organization in Norcross.

“I’m still in disbelief. When you’re behind those walls, it’s hard to see this day coming,” Rodney Taylor said in his first public remarks.

“These are human beings,” Taylor said of detainees in ICE custody, “but they treat us like cattle waiting to be slaughtered. But in this case, deported.”

After more than 450 days, his wife Mildred, who led the fight to bring her husband home, is relieved.

“He’s a loving, caring, sweet, patient man,” she said.

Lawmakers in the room, including Congresswoman Lucy McBath, say they want to see a more humane immigration system.

“You are a man who endured conditions that no person should ever, ever have to face,” she said. “Not only did you keep up your head, but you helped to uplift others within Stewart Detention Center.

For now, the Taylor said they’re trying to rebuild after more than a year of financial hardship, but the feeling of being outside those walls is something he can’t describe.

“Walking out those doors was something truly amazing,” he said.

Taylor’s attorney said even though he’s home with his family, this is still an ongoing legal matter. She said his case is still pending on appeal.

“Until someone is a permanent resident or in lawful status, they are at risk for being deported, that’s always a possibility. This gives us more room to prepare his defense effectively where he can participate more fully because he’s not in custody ... there’s additional things that we can discuss but by and large, the case continues,” Sarah Owings said in a previous interview.