A rare skin condition is wreaking havoc on the lives of two brothers from Libya who fled their home country in search of better healthcare options in the US. Hani Duglof's fragile skin peels and blisters at the slightest scratch, making everyday tasks a daunting challenge.
The 32-year-old's epidermolysis bullosa condition affects about one in 20,000 births, causing significant blistering from ordinary friction. The genetic disorder is uncomfortable and can range from minor to severe enough to require hospital visits. If left untreated, the wounds can become infected, taking months to heal.
Managing Duglof's condition requires a consistent routine, including regular doctor visits for treatment. His brother, Mohamed, 36, has been by his side throughout their ordeal. Despite being naturalized US citizens through marriage, the brothers are still navigating the complexities of the asylum system.
In January, Hani was detained by ICE agents while working for a grocery pickup service in Wisconsin. He was arrested after two vehicles boxed him in and agents asked about his immigration status. When he shared that his asylum case was pending, the agents arrested him, handcuffing him without providing necessary care for his condition.
Duglof spent four days in a cell with little food or medical attention before being released on bond. He had to endure a meager diet of protein milk and pudding, supplementing his own food supply, which he brought from the hospital where he was initially treated.
The experience left Duglof "extremely vulnerable," as he never shows others his wounds, but knew he needed to show them to agents to get help. His brother, Mohamed, worked tirelessly to secure Duglof's release, fearing the worst if they weren't successful.
Duglof is now awaiting a court hearing to refile his asylum application, which would restart the entire process. Despite being released from detention, he still fears for his safety and can't fully trust the system. The experience has left him "scared to go out," unable to live his normal life again.
The 32-year-old's epidermolysis bullosa condition affects about one in 20,000 births, causing significant blistering from ordinary friction. The genetic disorder is uncomfortable and can range from minor to severe enough to require hospital visits. If left untreated, the wounds can become infected, taking months to heal.
Managing Duglof's condition requires a consistent routine, including regular doctor visits for treatment. His brother, Mohamed, 36, has been by his side throughout their ordeal. Despite being naturalized US citizens through marriage, the brothers are still navigating the complexities of the asylum system.
In January, Hani was detained by ICE agents while working for a grocery pickup service in Wisconsin. He was arrested after two vehicles boxed him in and agents asked about his immigration status. When he shared that his asylum case was pending, the agents arrested him, handcuffing him without providing necessary care for his condition.
Duglof spent four days in a cell with little food or medical attention before being released on bond. He had to endure a meager diet of protein milk and pudding, supplementing his own food supply, which he brought from the hospital where he was initially treated.
The experience left Duglof "extremely vulnerable," as he never shows others his wounds, but knew he needed to show them to agents to get help. His brother, Mohamed, worked tirelessly to secure Duglof's release, fearing the worst if they weren't successful.
Duglof is now awaiting a court hearing to refile his asylum application, which would restart the entire process. Despite being released from detention, he still fears for his safety and can't fully trust the system. The experience has left him "scared to go out," unable to live his normal life again.
his brother mohamed did everything he could and still the system failed them its not right that hani had to suffer thru detention without proper medical care or food 
my heart goes out to these 2 brothers, i hope they get justice soon
u guys cant believe whats going on with this dude Hani 
Duglof... hows it feel 2 b locked up in a cell w/ no meds or food 4 days straight 
?? his skin condition is bad enough but they gotta go & catch him in the act of trying 2 get help 
? its like, cant they see he's just tryin 2 survive here 
??
or hes locked up w/ no food or meds 
?? hows that even a thing in america? 
i know we got our problems but dis is just cruel 
. Duglof should b ashamed of the system thats supposed 2 protect him not persecute him 
.
. and now hes refilin his asylum app... but what if they reject it again 
.. we gotta do better than dis for people w/ disabilities or in need of asylum 
The fact that Hani was arrested and detained without proper medical care is just heartbreaking. Like, who does that to someone? 
. Like, what even is the point of having an asylum system if it can't handle people with special needs? 
It's just not fair at all! The fact that they arrested him without providing any medical attention for his condition is absolutely unacceptable 