78-year-old priest unable to walk carried out of ICE facility by fellow detainees
The judge said ICE could not keep holding Edward Nalwamba indefinitely after his health worsened and his attorneys challenged the detention.
- On Tuesday, 78-year-old Ugandan priest Edward Nalwamba was released from a Colorado detention facility after a federal judge granted his petition challenging his continued detention.
- U.S. immigration officials detained Nalwamba in September 2025, citing a 2010 final order of removal; the Department of Homeland Security maintains he remained in the country in violation of federal law.
- During his 13 months in custody, attorney Joy Athanasiou reported Nalwamba's health deteriorated significantly; staff at the GEO facility reportedly refused to provide a wheelchair for his exit, forcing two detainees to carry him.
- Colorado U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper criticized GEO for failing to honor requests to assist Nalwamba, calling the incident an act of "cruelty" and pledging to hold those responsible accountable.
- Nalwamba's underlying immigration case remains unresolved while supporters arrange medical appointments and physical therapy; he cannot walk without assistance following his detention.
33 Articles
33 Articles
After a year at an ICE center in Colorado, a 78-year-old priest was released, although he faced impediments to moving on his own.
Colorado Newsline
Durango HeraldColorado priest from Uganda released after 13 months in ICE detention in Aurora
After 13 months in an Aurora immigrant detention center, where he became reliant on a wheelchair as his health deteriorated, a Ugandan priest who has lived in Colorado for more than 25 years was released by federal immigration officials Wednesday. A judge ordered Rev. Edward Nalwamba’s release earlier this week. Two fellow detainees on Tuesday […]
78-year-old priest unable to walk carried out of ICE facility by fellow detainees
A 78-year-old man who spent more than a year in immigration detention was released from a Colorado facility Tuesday, but he was unable to walk out on his own after staff reportedly refused to let him use a facility wheelchair beyond the gate.
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