Michigan LGBTQ support groups speak out after transgender woman detained by border patrol agentsLink to Full ArticleCBS News - Elaine Rojas-Castillo
August 25, 2025 / 8:02 PM EDT
After a transgender immigrant woman was detained following a traffic stop by Romulus police, local advocacy groups are speaking out, highlighting challenges LGBTQ immigrants face while in federal custody.
In June, Alexa, a transgender woman living in Ypsilanti, Michigan, was pulled over by a Romulus police officer for allegedly speeding. Instead of being given a ticket, officials contacted border patrol, who then took the Honduran native into federal custody.
Alexa's attorney told Detroit Free Press that her client reported alleged abuse while in federal custody, including being unable to shower and communicate with her attorneys.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson said:
"Romulus police contacted U.S. Border Patrol requesting assistance with identifying one subject they had in custody. [Alexa] stated they were a citizen of Honduras ... they did not possess any documents allowing them to stay, live, reside, work, or remain in the United States legally. USBP placed them under arrest and transported them for identity verification and verification of the documents they had in their possession. The claims they did not shower or have any communication are blatantly false."----------------------------
This smells like clickbait.
Remove the words "transgender" and the story does not change.
A woman from Honduras was stopped by police and admitted to having no "documents allowing them to stay, live, reside, work, or remain in the United States legally."
I don't think any country on this planet is without some sort of rules about immigration. You must have some sort of permission to be there. If you don't, and you come into contact with authorities, well... that's on you.
I agree with the position of the LGBTQ Support Groups that detainees must be housed according to their gender identity and expression. There does not appear to be an allegation that this did not happen, but maybe that is included in her claims of abuse.
