A federal class-action lawsuit has been filed against the U.S. government on behalf of seven detainees at California City ICE detention center, alleging inhumane conditions and medical neglect. The complaint details claims of denied medications, insufficient food, and a “decrepit” facility, with residents describing the conditions as “torture” and “hell on earth.” The lawsuit cites instances of delayed or absent medical care, including lack of access to essential medications, disability accommodations, and cancer treatment. The Department of Homeland Security disputes the claims.
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A letter sent to ICE officials and Senate committees detailed mistreatment and neglect experienced by over a dozen pregnant women in immigration custody. The women reported substandard medical care, including being shackled, placed in solitary confinement, and denied necessities like prenatal vitamins. Advocates are pressing for the release of all pregnant women in custody and an end to the detention of those known to be pregnant, postpartum, or nursing. These allegations, which include reports of miscarriages and psychological harm, contradict a previous statement from DHS denying mistreatment of pregnant detainees. The experiences described allegedly violate a Biden administration directive regarding the detention of pregnant individuals.
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Marie Ange Blaise, a Haitian national detained at the Broward Transitional Center (BTC), died of a heart attack on April 25th, with her son reporting that she was denied medical care for chest pains on the day of her death. An ICE report indicates a history of high blood pressure and kidney disease but also claims Blaise refused medication, though other detainees at the facility observed a delayed response from staff when she collapsed. Detainees and lawyers have repeatedly alleged medical neglect at ICE facilities in South Florida, and these allegations include claims that staff regularly withheld necessary medication from those in custody. Her death has led to calls for investigations and condemnations from public officials.
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Five medical employees at an Alabama jail have been indicted in connection with the death of Tony Mitchell, a mentally ill man who died of hypothermia in January 2023. The indictment charges a former jail medical supervisor, a jail health services administrator, and three licensed practical nurses with conspiracy against rights and deprivation of rights. Mitchell was held in a concrete cell for two weeks with no bedding or clothing, and the jail’s medical staff failed to provide adequate care despite concerns from corrections officers. This indictment is part of a larger investigation, bringing the total number of people charged to 25, which includes charges against jail leadership and deputies, with previous indictments depicting a culture of abuse.
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A flurry of 911 calls from the ICE detention site near San Antonio is painting a disturbing picture, and the subject matter of these calls is alarming. These calls, originating from within the walls of the facility, speak volumes about the conditions endured by those detained. Reports suggest that calls from staff, detainees, and visiting family members have all highlighted a range of serious issues.
The conditions described inside, from reports of suicide attempts and allegations of sexual abuse to the health issues faced by pregnant inmates, are troubling. Immigrant advocates are raising serious concerns, and the focus is on the South Texas ICE Processing Center (“Pearsall”).… Continue reading
Maksym Chernyak, a Ukrainian national, died in ICE custody at a Miami hospital on February 20th after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage. His wife alleges inadequate medical care at the Krome Detention Center contributed to his death, claiming he was denied timely treatment for his illness despite reporting symptoms. Chernyak, who arrived in the U.S. on humanitarian parole, had been arrested on domestic violence charges his wife disputes due to a language barrier. His death is the third at the Krome Detention Center since October 2024, prompting allegations of a pattern of medical neglect.
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A Texas family, including a 10-year-old U.S. citizen recovering from brain cancer, was deported to Mexico after being stopped at a border checkpoint. Despite previously being allowed through with medical documentation, authorities deemed the provided letters insufficient, leading to the parents’ arrest and the family’s forced return to Mexico. This decision was made to avoid separating the children and placing them in the U.S. foster care system. The family now faces significant challenges accessing necessary medical care in Mexico for both the daughter and a son with a heart condition, while also struggling with safety concerns in their new location.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood