Sen. Ossoff releases 2nd report as part of ongoing investigation into human rights abuses in U.S. immigration detention
Sen. Ossoff’s first report uncovered credible reports of abuse of pregnant women and children in immigration detention in Georgia and across the country
WATCH: Sen. Ossoff video statement about release of report — for use on air
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff’s new investigation is revealing shocking reports of medical neglect and denial of adequate food or water for ICE detainees.
Sen. Ossoff today released the second report of his ongoing investigation into human rights abuses in U.S. immigration detention: Medical Neglect & Denial of Adequate Food or Water in U.S. Immigration Detention.
As detailed in the report, Sen. Ossoff’s ongoing investigation has uncovered 85 credible reports of medical neglect, including cases that reportedly led to life-threatening injuries and complications, and 82 credible reports of denial of adequate food or water, including cases that reportedly led to malnutrition or dehydration.
Along with the release of today’s report, Sen. Ossoff released the following video statement.
“The American people demand and deserve secure borders. The American people also believe every human being should be treated with dignity and respect, and where anybody is being denied necessary medical care or necessary nutrition, that should concern us all,” Sen. Ossoff said.
Credible reports of medical neglect and denial of adequate food or water in Sen. Ossoff’s second report include:
- Cases that reportedly led to a heart attack after days of untreated chest pain, complications from untreated diabetes, and denial of necessary medications and associated complications;
- Potential exposure to mosquito-borne illness without prophylactic treatment for malaria;
- Denial of bottled water for baby formula;
- Vermin infestation and animal feces in food
As detailed in the report, most credible reports of medical neglect and denial of adequate food or water originated at facilities in Florida (45 credible reports), Texas (26 credible reports), and Georgia (22 credible reports).
For example, a U.S. government official working at a U.S. government site where detainees are reportedly being held reported to the Senator’s staff that “ambulances have to come almost every day” and that detainees are “passing out.”
As outlined in the report, a detainee also reported severe gastrointestinal distress while in ICE detention and a two-week delay to get a medical appointment, where the detainee was given a painkiller. The detainee reported suffering from severe gastrointestinal distress for 5 months, while repeatedly requesting medical appointments, before receiving an appropriate prescription.
Detainees at one facility reported foul odor, taste, and color of water. At that location, facility staff reportedly told a detainee to use that water for formula for a detainee’s baby, who reportedly then suffered diarrhea, and that bottled water for the purpose of baby formula was requested but denied.
Sen. Ossoff continues working to strengthen Congressional oversight and investigate abuses in U.S. detention centers, prisons, and jails.
In 2024, Sen. Ossoff launched an inquiry with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) into delays deploying licensed child welfare professionals to assist children who are temporarily in U.S. Southern Border facilities.
In 2022, Sen. Ossoff led an 18-month bipartisan investigation into medical mistreatment of women in U.S. detention, which uncovered that female detainees at the now-reopened Irwin County Detention Center in Georgia were subjected to “invasive, and often unnecessary gynecological procedures.”
Also in 2022, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock pressed the Biden Administration for answers about allegations of sexual assault against women at the ICE Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia.
Click here to read Sen. Ossoff’s new report: Medical Neglect & Denial of Adequate Food or Water in U.S. Immigration Detention.
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