CA Democrats Padilla, Schiff Tour New ICE Detention Center

U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff recently performed an oversight visit to California’s newest immigrant detention center. This facility, located in California City, is around 100 miles north of Los Angeles and is managed by the private company CoreCivic.

Conditions at California City Detention Facility

Padilla and Schiff highlighted serious concerns regarding the quality of medical care provided at the facility. During their visit, they found that over 1,400 detainees are currently held there, with the facility’s capacity reaching 2,560 detainees. The facility began its operations in late August under a contract with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Inadequate Medical Care

• Schiff described a diabetic detainee who had not received necessary treatment for two months.
• Reports of smelly water and moldy food were shared by detainees.
• Padilla emphasized that mental health care is also significantly lacking despite many individuals being held for civil immigration offenses.

Padilla pointed out that substantial changes are needed to address the medical needs of detainees, especially as the facility aims to accommodate even more individuals in the future.

Personal Stories from Detainees

During their tour, Padilla and Schiff met several detainees who shared distressing stories. Many were arrested while attending immigration appointments, seeking to regularize their status. One particularly notable case involved a man from Afghanistan who faces threats from the Taliban if returned.

Schiff remarked, “These individuals were merely fulfilling their immigration responsibilities when they were detained.” This situation underscores the trauma experienced not only by detainees but also by their families.

Legislative Oversight and Legal Challenges

The oversight visit took place amidst ongoing legal disputes regarding the rights of Congress members to inspect detention facilities. Recent lawsuits from House Democrats challenge rules requiring advance notice for such visits. A court has temporarily blocked certain policies mandating a seven-day advance notice.

California’s Response to Detention Conditions

California’s Attorney General has raised concerns about the conditions in the California City facility. A recent inspection revealed that the facility was not adequately prepared to meet the needs of its detainees.

Concerns Over Compliance

• The Attorney General’s office highlighted “dangerous conditions” and insufficient medical care.
• Detainees have filed lawsuits claiming poor sanitary conditions and lack of medical access.

CoreCivic has responded, stating that it provides medical and mental health care services that comply with government standards, adding that detainees receive their prescribed medications without delay.

As the situation continues to develop, both Padilla and Schiff stress the importance of oversight and accountability at immigration detention centers like the one in California City.