Nurse Reunited with Family After Immigration Detention

A registered nurse has returned to her family following a weeklong effort by community members and colleagues at Maine Medical Center. They rallied for her release from immigration detention. Debora Kapisha, the nurse in question, expressed her gratitude upon release. She mentioned her eagerness to reunite with co-workers and continue her work with patients.

Sara English, also a nurse at Maine Medical Center, delivered Kapisha’s statement at a news conference. This event was organized by National Nurses United and its affiliate, the Maine State Nurses Association. Janelle Crowley, a NICU nurse and union leader, highlighted the nurses’ commitment to protecting each other, emphasizing their steadfast support for Kapisha.

Kapisha’s Role and Immigration Status

Kapisha, originally from Zambia, serves as a medical-surgical nurse specializing in dialysis care at Maine Medical Center. Her pending asylum case has brought her situation to public attention. Colleagues describe her unit as demanding and assert the critical need for her skills.

According to the union, Kapisha was detained by ICE on July 30 while traveling through Boston’s Logan Airport. ICE indicated she entered the U.S. legally in 2024 on a five-month visa, which she overstayed. However, her union and employer claim she has been living and working legally in the U.S. while her asylum case is pending.

Kelli Brennan, another nurse and co-president of the Maine State Nurses Association, affirmed their ongoing support for Kapisha. While they celebrate this victory, Brennan stressed the importance of continued advocacy for her and others in similar situations.

Impact on Healthcare System

Britt Crewse, president of MaineHealth’s Southern Region, voiced concerns about Kapisha’s detention. He noted her legal residency and work status in the U.S. This case reflects broader challenges faced by healthcare workers caught in the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The state has seen increased immigration enforcement, impacting personnel at Kapisha’s hospital, leading to staff shortages.

These circumstances forced healthcare professionals to take on duties outside their usual roles. Brennan detailed how staff, including doctors, adapted by performing tasks like moving patients. The situation has caused widespread anxiety among healthcare workers and patients, many of whom rely on immigrant workers for essential services.

Crewse pointed out how immigration enforcement measures have created an unsettling environment for care team members, affecting their ability to provide effective healthcare.