70-Year-Old Woman's Life at Risk Ahead of Friday Deportation Flight

Rebecca Pinyerd, a 70-year-old woman with serious health problems, faces deportation to the Philippines this Friday. Her family warns that the long flight could put her life at risk due to untreated medical conditions. They are now pushing for a full medical assessment before she is removed from the US.

Pinyerd was first arrested over two decades ago on drug-related charges. She served 19 years in prison before her release. Afterward, she was required to check in with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) once a year.

In March 2025, during her annual DHS check-in, she was taken into custody. Since then, she has spent nine months in detention, moved between facilities across the southeast. Currently, she is held at a federal center in Clay County, Indiana. Her family claims she has not received her prescribed medications regularly while detained. They also argue that her poor health has prevented her from properly appealing her case. Among her conditions are severe kidney disease, thyroid problems, and uncontrolled high blood pressure. Pinyerd's daughter, April Lowe, plans to travel with her on the deportation flight to help her resettle in the Philippines. Before the journey, ICE medical staff must assess whether she is fit to fly. Her family insists on a thorough exam and proper medical care before any removal takes place.

The deportation is scheduled for Friday, but concerns remain about Pinyerd's ability to survive the trip. Her family continues to demand medical attention and a full evaluation of her condition. ICE has yet to publicly comment on her case or the planned removal.