Federal Judge Tiffany Cartwright ordered Robert Sidhe released from the Northwest Detention Center, a private immigration detention facility in Tacoma used by the federal agency ICE. The court ruled that the 43-year-old Kenyan citizen had to be released within six hours because of his elevated risk of a stroke. By Friday evening, his fiancée confirmed that he had returned home. Authorities have not yet officially begun deportation proceedings, although that is expected to happen.
While in custody, Sidhe’s blood pressure rose sharply and he developed stroke-like symptoms. He was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma. Tests did not confirm that he had suffered a stroke, but his attorney said the risk of another episode remains and that access to emergency care at the detention center could be difficult.
People detained at the Northwest Detention Center rely on the facility’s internal medical service and established procedures: They generally must report their symptoms, undergo an initial triage and receive authorization for an examination. Limited staffing, delays in transportation to an outside hospital, language barriers, telephone access problems and fear of staff can delay requests for help. Emergency medical care, however, must be provided regardless of immigration status.
The judge described the possible consequences of Sidhe’s deteriorating condition as “catastrophic.” She also took into account that he cares for his partner, a U.S. citizen with a disability who uses a wheelchair.
Sidhe has worked as a patient care technician at UW Medicine since 2025. He legally entered the United States several times on visas, and in February 2023 he applied for asylum, which is still pending. ICE detained him Aug. 26 in Lynnwood, saying that he had overstayed his visa. The agency emphasized that a pending asylum application by itself does not confer legal status or prevent detention.
At the same time, people whose asylum applications are pending retain the right to an attorney at their own expense, an interpreter, participation in hearings and the presentation of evidence. They may also request release on bond or under specific conditions. After the legally established waiting period, they are generally allowed to apply for work authorization, but filing an application does not guarantee release, the right to remain in the United States or asylum approval.
Sidhe was previously a doctor in Kenya and founded the Hawi Global Foundation, a charity that helps people obtain medical care. He treated people injured in a 2011 pipeline explosion and testified in a compensation case for survivors. He said that after the victims prevailed in court, he was threatened and his brother was killed, which formed the basis of his asylum claim. The foundation also established a branch in Washington state that provides local families with food and medical assistance.
The release order was issued as part of a temporary restraining order pending full consideration of his petition for protection against unlawful detention. The judge noted that Sidhe’s case likely has strong prospects: Earlier rulings required authorities to notify people with expired visas and pending asylum applications in advance before changing their previous practice and detaining them.
The state employees’ union and Sidhe’s colleagues supported him. In situations like this, the union may provide employees with legal advice, representatives, assistance for their families and help communicating with attorneys or a consulate. The extent of support depends on the collective bargaining agreement and the circumstances of the case. UW Medicine, for its part, generally provides medical care based on clinical need and follows patient confidentiality rules; medical facilities typically do not participate in immigration enforcement without an appropriate legal basis. The university agreed to preserve Sidhe’s job and use his accrued leave while he was detained.
Based on: UW Medical Center staffer ordered released from ICE detention