A pregnant woman from Ghana, Annabella Gyasi, and her young son faced deportation after spending over a week in a windowless detention room at Washington Dulles International Airport. Her lawyers confirmed they are flying back to Africa.

Gyasi, aged 38, arrived in the U.S. on May 19 with her son, who required medical attention due to severely malformed hands. Despite possessing valid visas, immigration officers detained them after Gyasi expressed fears of persecution in Ghana.

During their detention, Gyasi suffered pregnancy complications, leading to hospitalizations for conditions like vaginal bleeding and high blood pressure. This prompted her decision to leave the U.S., according to her lawyers.

We are relieved that Ms. Gyasi and her son will soon be free from this nightmare, yet no one should endure the inhumane conditions they faced, said Mary Bauer, Executive Director of the ACLU of Virginia.

Gyasi reported hunger during detention, but guards allegedly denied them extra food. The Department of Homeland Security contested these claims, stating that detainees receive adequate care, including medical evaluations and nutrition.

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued an order on Friday, indicating that the best interests of Gyasi, her son, and justice are met if they return to their home country without delay.

Immigration officials mentioned that Gyasi’s tourist visas were deemed invalid since she declared her intent to seek asylum in the U.S. instead of returning to Ghana. They were expected to depart for Ghana on Friday evening.