A federal judge has temporarily restricted conditions at the Broadview ICE facility in response to a lawsuit detailing severe treatment of detainees. U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman issued the restraining order aimed at alleviating the alleged “serious conditions” described by former detainees.
Key Findings and Orders from the Judge
In the two-week restraining order, Judge Gettleman determined that the treatment of detainees was likely to cause “irreparable harm.” The following mandates were included:
- Provision of clean bedding mats with adequate space for sleep.
- Access to hygiene products including soap, toilet paper, towels, and menstrual products.
- Showers must be provided at least every other day.
- Detainees are entitled to three meals and access to water daily.
- Prescriptions should be made available to those needing medication.
- Holding cells are to be cleaned twice a day.
- Ensured private communication with attorneys and a list of lawyers available for hire.
- Incorporation of each detainee into an ICE online locator system.
Allegations of Overcrowding and Unsanitary Conditions
The order follows over three hours of testimony alleging severe overcrowding in the facility. Witnesses reported that as many as 100 detainees were crammed into holding cells without access to hot meals, forced to sleep on dirty floors near open toilets.
- Judge Gettleman characterized the witness testimonies as “highly credible.”
- He expressed concern for detainees sleeping in unsafe conditions, stating, “People shouldn’t be sleeping in plastic chairs or on the floor.”
Lawsuit Initiation and Legal Context
This class-action lawsuit was filed by the MacArthur Justice Center and the Roger Baldwin Foundation of ACLU. The lawsuit elaborates on conditions at Broadview, describing it as a “black hole” where federal officials operate with minimal oversight.
Despite government assertions that the Broadview facility is not suitable for overnight stays, reports from local media suggest that detainees have been held for multiple days. Judge Gettleman emphasized the importance of balancing operational discretion with humane conditions for detainees.
Next Steps
The order will not be enacted immediately, and the judge has instructed government attorneys to provide an update on compliance by noon Friday. Additionally, plaintiffs’ legal representatives are seeking more information regarding the facility’s conditions. This includes:
- Video footage from inside the detention center.
- A roster of all current detainees.
- Documentation received by detainees upon arrival.
- Operational policies governing the facility.
The next hearing in this ongoing case is scheduled for November 19.
