By Maribel Velazquez
The case of a Ukrainian immigrant detained in Miami has raised new alerts about the conditions inside immigration detention centers. According to Miami Fresh CasesAndriy Shepitsen’s family and lawyers denounce that the man spent months without receiving the psychiatric medication that he needs, which would have caused a serious deterioration in his mental health.
Shepitsen46 years old and originally from kyiv, was detained in December 2025 by ICE after his student visa expired. Since then, he has been transferred to several detention centers in Florida, including Krome in Miami.
According to his wife, Svitlana Shepitsena, The change has been devastating. “Right now he is in his own world because he hasn’t received his medication for a long time. His condition is terrible,” declared to the media. The man suffers from bipolar disorder and major depression, conditions for which he had daily treatment before being arrested.
The defense maintains that, despite repeatedly reporting on suicidal thoughts, Shepitsen did not receive proper care for months. He even went on a hunger strike that lasted nearly 60 days and required hospitalization. Although he is no longer on strike, they say he has lost more than 27 kilos and continues to have difficulty eating.
“We are very concerned about what would happen if he returned to Ukraine,” said his attorney, Katie Blankenship. “We will continue to fight by all possible means.”
The case has also generated controversy over the official response. In a statement cited by Miami Fresh Cases, the Department of Homeland Security denied the allegations and maintained that the detainee has had access to medical care. “ICE never denied adequate medical care,” indicated the agency, which also assured that Shepitsen himself has refused to take his medications.
However, the defense denies this and states that access to treatment has been conditionedwhich aggravates their physical and mental state. “His body is completely collapsed,” Blankenship said.
Shepitsen’s case occurs in a broader context of criticism of immigration policies and conditions in detention centers. Human rights organizations have pointed out that the health systems within these facilities are often insufficient, especially for people with mental illnesses.
As the government seeks to deport a war-affected man, his family insists he needs urgent medical attention.
Seek help / Review information at: Suicide and Crisis Prevention Line 988
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