SAN ANTONIO, Texas — A permanent resident deported to Trinidad and Tobago last year is seeking $10 million from the Trump administration, alleging that federal immigration authorities denied him medical care and subjected him to abuse during seven months of detention in Texas and other facilities.
The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Texas filed the tort claim on behalf of 55-year-old Elton Purvis. The claim alleges that Purvis, who has Type 1 diabetes, repeatedly lacked access to the medical monitoring and specialized treatment he needed while in immigration custody.
Purvis was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at Boston’s Logan Airport in May 2025 as he returned to the United States to attend the graduations of two of his sons, according to the claim. He has nine U.S. citizen children.
The claim alleges that Purvis had malaria when ICE detained him and that officers confiscated his insulin and malaria medication. Court filings state that authorities did not treat him for malaria during his first 12 days in ICE custody.
Purvis spent time at several detention facilities, including the South Texas Detention Complex in Pearsall. The ACLU said he filed more than 100 grievances with ICE seeking medical assistance.
According to the claim, Purvis became unresponsive in his cell at least three times because of dangerously low blood sugar levels. He also received hospital treatment at least three times during his detention.
The claim alleges that guards repeatedly ignored Purvis’ requests for medical assistance. In one instance, a nurse allegedly instructed guards to take him to a medical unit, but they did not act on the request.
“Being in detention broke my courage. It felt like they were trying to kill me,” Purvis said in a statement released through the ACLU. “I was so desperate to receive medical help.”
ACLU attorney Caro Rivera Nelson said Purvis’ allegations reflect broader concerns about conditions in Texas immigration detention facilities.
“Individuals are left in inhumane conditions for months on end without access to adequate medical care, edible food, potable water, or a way out,” Nelson said.
The ACLU said the claim forms part of a broader effort to seek compensation for people who allegedly experienced violence, abuse or neglect from federal law enforcement. The organization said it has filed 54 claims across 17 states and Washington, D.C.
The allegations contained in Purvis’ claim have not been adjudicated, and the filing does not establish liability by the federal government.
