John,
A bombshell report from Human Rights Watch, titled “You Feel Like Your Life Is Over,”1 exposes horrifying conditions at ICE detention centers in Florida. Immigrants suffer routine medical neglect, physical assaults, psychological warfare, and endless isolation. Detainees in Miami face filthy, overcrowded cells and retaliation for speaking out.
But instead of holding ICE accountable, the Republican leadership in the House and Senate is turning a blind eye. No hearings, no subpoenas, and no action. That’s unacceptable. These abuses aren’t new, but the scale and urgency are undeniable. People are suffering in government custody while lawmakers look away.
This is cruel and inhumane punishment and Congress must act now. Send a direct message to Congress telling them to investigate the cruelty taking place at ICE detention centers.
SEND A MESSAGE
According to the Human Rights Watch report, as of June 20th of this year, 56,000 people were in detention centers on any given day—the highest number in the history of U.S. immigration.1 72% of those detained had no criminal history.
As we’ve seen with Alligator Alcatraz in Florida, detention centers have become infamous for horrific treatment of immigrants. Multiple reports—including firsthand accounts from detainees—describe inhumane conditions such as no water for baths, maggots in food, and lack of access to necessary medical care.2
Congress must hold those responsible for these crimes accountable and demand additional oversight to make sure the constitutional rights of immigrants in detention are no longer violated.
We need investigations, transparency, and consequences. Congress must dig into these abuses, expose the truth, and hold ICE officials responsible.
We’re joining our coalition partners to call for immediate Congressional oversight, but we also need public pressure. Send a message to Congress demanding that they investigate the abuses happening at detention centers now.
Thank you for all you do,
Dominique Espinoza
Policy and Strategic Partnerships Manager, CHN Action
1 “You Feel Like Your Life Is Over”
2 Florida officials deny accusations of inhumane conditions at Alligator Alcatraz
