Like cattle: in the United States, Rodney Taylor recounts the hell of his 15 months of detention in an ICE center

Rodney Taylor, a barber near Atlanta, originally from Liberia, represents a rare victory against the American administrative machine. He regained his freedom after 15 months of detention in an ICE (US Immigration Police) center, which sparked controversy. Arriving in the US at the age of 2 for medical reasons, he has been double amputee since he was 10 years old. Despite a previous conviction for which he was granted clemency, he was arrested in January 2025.

His case has triggered a wave of outrage across the country, making him a symbol of the fight for migrant rights. With a citizen mobilization, he was one of the very few detainees to be released on bail. After 473 days of detention in deplorable conditions, he speaks of the hardships faced, including mold, faulty sanitation, unbearable heat, and difficulties with his prosthetics.

“When we hear his story, we are left wondering – what kind of country are we becoming?” Rodney Taylor reflects. His wife, Mildred, who has led the charge for his release, highlights the challenges they face after losing her job due to activism, risking eviction every month.

Mildred speaks of the depression and questions from their children, such as “why did you abandon daddy?” Yet, she persevered not just for her family but for all detainees. She found strength in the immense difficulty, emphasizing the importance of helping others in similar situations.

Despite the risks of still facing deportation, Rodney Taylor expresses his desire to rebuild while offering words of encouragement to other detainees, “Your turn, your day will come.”