Congressman Al Green, the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus, and the Montrose Center will Address the Maltreatment of Transgender Immigrants in ICE Detention Facilities

September 9, 2026 Press Release ( Houston, Texas ) — On Thursday, September 10, 2026, Congressman Al Green will join Brandon Mack , President of the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus, Avery Belyeu, Chief Executive Officer of The Montrose Center, and Daron Perez, Transwellness Coordinator of The Montrose Center to host a press conference addressing concerns regarding the maltreatment of transgender immigrants in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities. The press conference follows Congressman Green’s September 4, 2026, communiqué to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, in which he raised concerns about the denial of specialized medical care and the removal of protections for transgender immigrant detainees. A copy of the communiqué is accessible by clicking here . "ICE detention cannot become a place where transgender people are punished for their identity. When the government takes someone into custody, it assumes responsibility for that person's safety, health, and dignity. We support and stand in solidarity and agreement with Congressman Al Green's demand for answers and accountability. We urge DHS to take immediate and verifiable action,” Brandon Mack, President, Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus . “Transgender individuals who find themselves in the care of our government during immigration proceedings deserve dignity, safety, and basic health care. That means they are not mistreated, are housed in safe accommodations, and are able to access all of their medications. We are grateful to Congressman Green for seeking clarification on how these guarantees are being met,” Avery Belyeu, Chief Executive Officer, The Montrose Center. Congressman Al Green stated, “Transgender persons deserve to live without fear that their identity will be used as a reason to deny them care, especially health care, safety, or humane treatment while in ICE custody. While many communities have suffered under harmful immigration policies, we must not overlook the particular vulnerabilities faced by transgender immigrants in detention. Government custody must never become a license to discriminate. We must demand humane treatment and necessary medical care, and we must protect transgender lives.” Click here to watch the YouTube Live Stream of the press conference at 10:30 a.m. CT.