Released But Not Free: One Black Woman Describes The Emotional Toll After Nine Months in ICE Detention

Charity Grace Mukamuri was relieved to be back with her family after her release from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility. However, although she was no longer behind locked doors or waiting for updates from immigration officials, her freedom brought little relief. The green card holder told Newsweek she is now seeking therapy as she struggles with the emotional aftermath of her nine-month detention.

Mukamuri’s release marks the latest in a growing number of high-profile immigration cases involving legal migrants dealing with enforcement actions. While supporters celebrated her freedom, she says the experience left wounds that will take much longer to heal.

“We can go for a stretch of days, anywhere from two and as long as 15 days straight without seeing outside… and it was very cold,” Mukamuri told Newsweek in January, describing life inside the facility. “It’s freezing cold. You have one thin blanket, one thin sheet to cover yourself, and another sheet on the mattress.”

After immigrating to the U.S. from Zimbabwe on a student visa in 2001, Mukamuri’s case recently prompted weeks of uncertainty, separation and fear, according to Newsweek.

We previously told you about the alleged worsening conditions inside some of the country’s most notorious ICE detention centers. Detainees have noted unsanitary and overcrowded conditions, while activists and some politicians have worked to investigate and hold ICE officials accountable.

Mukamuri told Newsweek that she and others taken to an El Paso, Texas facility experienced inhumane conditions along with enduring retaliation from higher-ups. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) previously accused her of acts of cruelty toward children, although no formal charges have been brought forward, the outlet also reported.

The green card holder was released following a June 2 court order, according to her Facebook account. Although she is no longer in custody, she told Newsweek that the psychological effects have lingered, prompting her to seek professional counseling.

“I feel a sense of relief that my process is done…but at the same time, I’m really struggling to cope,” she said. “I’m glad I’m with my family. But I can’t help but think about my many friends who are still stuck.”

Her story reflects concerns raised by immigration advocates and former detainees who say detention can carry lasting emotional consequences. Beyond the legal proceedings, many describe anxiety, depression and trauma that persist long after release.

Now, Mukamuri is seeking therapy to deal with the traumatic experience. Meanwhile, DHS officials say her detention was justified.

“Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, if you break the law—including cruelty towards children—you will face the consequences. Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S.,” a DHS spokesperson previously told Newsweek.

Mukamuri’s broader legal situation continues to unfold, but she says she is focused on rebuilding her life and addressing the mental health challenges she attributes to her time in custody.

“We have been talking about going into therapy, and we’re going to need that therapy,” Mukamuri said. “And we have a lot of rebuilding to do because over the course of time, there are a lot of things that we have had to let go.”