Democratic U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff recently visited California’s newest immigrant detention center. Located in California City, approximately 100 miles north of Los Angeles, this facility is notable for being the largest of its kind in the state.
Concerns Over Medical Care and Conditions
During their visit, both senators expressed serious concerns regarding the medical care provided at the center. Padilla and Schiff highlighted testimonies from detainees, pointing to a lack of adequate medical attention. Notably, Schiff shared an alarming account of a diabetic detainee who had gone without treatment for over two months. “That’s frightening,” he remarked.
Facility Overview and Capacity
- Location: California City, CA
- Opened: Late August
- Current Detainees: Over 1,400
- Capacity: 2,560 detainees
- Operated by: CoreCivic, Inc.
CoreCivic, a private prison company, previously managed the site as a state prison. The facility was established under a contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the closure of several state prisons in California due to a declining incarcerated population.
Testimonies of Detainees
Both Padilla and Schiff gathered insights from detainees, who reported various issues including poor-quality food and concerns about hygiene. Reports included instances of detainees receiving smelly water and moldy sandwiches. “This is not a prison,” Padilla emphasized, pointing out that many detainees are held for civil immigration offenses, not criminal ones. He urged for better mental health care services, noting the traumatic impact of detention on individuals and their families.
Recent Legal Developments
Legal battles have been waged regarding access to these facilities. Congress members possess the right to conduct unannounced visits, although Padilla’s office indicated that their visit was pre-arranged. Tensions have escalated over a federal policy requiring advance notice for inspections, which House Democrats have contested in court.
Context of Immigration Detention in the U.S.
Since the beginning of the Trump administration, the population in immigration detention has surged. The figures indicate that the number of detainees has risen from 40,000 to nearly 66,000 within a year, representing a significant increase in cases across the nation. This rise has brought national attention to the conditions within ICE facilities.
California’s Oversight and Concerns
The California Attorney General’s office has warned of dangerous conditions at the California City facility. A letter from Attorney General Rob Bonta raised grave concerns regarding the preparedness of the facility to meet the needs of its detainees. In contrast, representatives from CoreCivic asserted that medical care services at the site were compliant with government standards.
With ongoing lawsuits from detainees alleging inadequate medical care and unsanitary conditions, the situation at the California City Detention Facility remains under scrutiny. Both senators concluded their visit underscoring the need for immediate improvements to ensure the health and welfare of all detainees.
